ENDURANCE & OUTDOORS / EDUCATION
Mobility and recovery that matter
for Swimming.
Strength on land, skill and endurance in water.


FIELD GUIDE / 04Move through useful ranges
Wall slide can be practiced slowly in a comfortable range. Slide arms upward on a wall through a comfortable range while keeping ribs relaxed. Stop short of pain; extreme range is not the target.
Load is part of recovery
Watch shoulder load when adding gym work to a high-volume swim week. Sleep and sufficient food support adaptation; no recovery drill cancels a poorly balanced schedule.
A low-effort session
Walk or cycle gently for 10–20 minutes, then perform 1–2 easy sets of Wall slide and a comfortable breathing reset. Finish feeling ready for the next session.
Three movements to understand
These are examples of general physical preparation. Tap any movement for target muscles, setup, execution, common errors and an easier alternative.

Chest-supported row
Lats, rhomboids, mid-back and biceps. Keep chest against the pad and row without swinging.
FULL TECHNIQUE GUIDE ↗
Dumbbell overhead press
Deltoids and upper-back stabilizers. Press upward with ribs stacked over pelvis.
FULL TECHNIQUE GUIDE ↗
Dumbbell Romanian deadlift
Hamstrings and posterior chain. Keep weights close and shift hips back with a long spine.
FULL TECHNIQUE GUIDE ↗Put this into your week
Two land strength days and swim sessions paced to your event and experience. Build pool volume gradually; dry-land intervals are supplementary.
Begin with a manageable session and record how it affects the next practice. If you can complete every set with sound form and recover well, add a repetition or modest resistance. If quality or recovery falls, reduce a set or move the session away from the hardest sport day.
Stroke mechanics, breathing and pacing belong in the pool with appropriate instruction. Watch shoulder load when adding gym work to a high-volume swim week.
Evidence and interpretation
General training evidence informs this guide. The sport-specific exercise choices are coaching applications; training response varies by person and season.
General education. Work within your ability and seek qualified advice for injury, symptoms, contact technique or return to play.
See five Swimming workouts →