3 Strength Training Exercises We Use for Our Cedar Park/Leander Swimmers

At Barbell Coalition, we train a lot of talented competitive swimmers.

Swimming is different than most sports in the demands that are required for success in the water. It's important that swimmers be strong and mobile in all planes of motion.

Here are 3 strength training exercises we use for our Cedar Park/Leander swimmers for success in the pool.

Pull Ups

Swimming places a lot of demand on the lats and the muscles of the upper back.

These muscles are going to be responsible for proper mobility of the shoulder so that swimmers can perform a perfect stroke.

For shoulder & back strength, nothing beats the pull up.

We begin with the bodyweight/assisted bodyweight variation for our swimmers and then gradually begin progressing towards weighted pull ups.

Most of our swimmers are able to perform multiple reps with an extra 25-35lbs added.

Goblet Squat

It should go without saying that swimmers need strong legs. This plays a massive role in the strength of their kicking in the pool.

The goblet squat is a great variation for swimmers because we can load it pretty heavy and really build solid leg strength.

And it also teach the swimmer to keep their posture & upper back engaged while squatting with the weight.

This type of control of the upper back & the shoulders really comes in handy in the pool.

Dips

We know upper body strength is imperative for swim performance, and above we talked about the muscles of the back and shoulders.

But now we'll shift our focus to the front of the upper body, namely the chest, triceps and front of the shoulders.

Strong triceps and chest muscles will be great assets for powerful arm extension during the stroke, as well as to overall more powerful arm movements in the pool.

This movement also works wonders in improving shoulder stability and mobility, helping swimmers stay injury-free.

As with the pull up, we start this movement with band assistance if needed, and then gradually progress swimmers to bodyweight, and then weighted dips.

At Barbell Coalition, Our Training Makes Cedar Park/Leander Swimmers Faster in the Pool

Come see what we can do for your swimmer! Click here to book a free consultation and tour of the gym.