by Glenn Mills
Butterfly is the type of stroke that requires specific training. You need to swim ENOUGH butterfly to strengthen the specific muscles for the stroke. But if you train A LOT of butterfly, there's a good chance that you will train yourself to have a slow stroke cadence, and this is not effective for racing. The question is: How do you learn to slam race-pace butterfly, especially early in the season?
OK, I've never been able to actually swim butterfly. I can't seem to get the motion. I've been told I'm not yet strong enough.
I'm spending the winter in the gym, focusing on maintaining the muscle I've gained through running, biking & swimming over the summer. Is there specific training I can do with weights to help increase those muscles needed for fly... or for other strokes as well?
Of course you'll need to focus on core body strength, abs, chest, back. Ideally though, you need to be in the water. I don't think you can really "cross-train" for swimming if that part of your exercise regimen isn't primary. Any thoughts?
And LOTS of crunches, leg lifts and planks!!!
I know (& do) crunches & leg lifts, but what are planks!
I said the same thing! Christine showed them to me. I will send you an email.
This site has photos of some good core strengthening exercises.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/core-strength/SM00047
© 2002-2008 Dynoswim.com
