Anyone who has been involved in the sport of swimming for even a relatively short period will undoubtedly have heard about Swimming World Magazine, one of the sport’s most prominent and highest-quality news publishers.  Well, I have an exciting update: Swimming World Magazine is under new management, and its future looks bright.  If you’re as passionate about swimming as I am and always looking for ways to improve, these changes are worth noting.  Quick summary: Swimming World Magazine is under new management with passionate owners at the helm of the operation. The magazine’s ..read more

Are you tired of struggling to bundle all of your hair into a regular swim cap? Is this the third swim cap you have ripped this month? Do you dread chlorine damage to your hair because you can’t fit it all into a regular swim cap?  Luckily for you, there is a better solution– a long hair swim cap. In this article, I cover some of the best long hair swim caps available, explain their benefits and why you should consider investing in one, walk you step-by-step through choosing the best long hair swim cap for you, and answer some common questions.  So whether you’re a recreational-, ope ..read more

If you want to become a better, faster, and more efficient swimmer, it’s critical to incorporate dryland exercises into your training regime.  Not only will you move better, be stronger, more powerful, and have increased endurance in the water, but you’ll also reduce your risk of injuries.  So if you want to gain a competitive advantage in the pool or just be the best swimmer you can be, consistent dryland training should be an integral part of your schedule.  Whether you are a competitive-, open water-, casual-, or masters swimmer, everyone can benefit from the physiological ad ..read more

If you’re a swimmer, you’re likely familiar with dry, straw-like, and brittle chlorine-damaged hair. Perhaps, embarrassingly, others may have commented on the chlorine smell of your curls before. Similarly, if you’re a blonde, you’ve probably also experienced the woes of green hair before.  Don’t worry, though, no matter your hair type or situation, you’re not alone. I, along with many other swimmers, have been there. And the good news? It doesn’t have to be that way. A simple solution to keep your hair healthy and chlorine free is by using swim shampoo and conditioner– and in this articl ..read more

Imagine the moment when you reunite with friends or family after not seeing them for a few months, and they can’t help but notice the radiant glow of health and fitness you emit. While achieving this is far from impossible, it will require you to make some transformative lifestyle changes.  So, if you want to lose weight, swimming is an excellent place to start. Not only does it burn many calories, but it’s also a great full-body workout that improves cardiovascular fitness and physical strength.  And that’s not to mention all of the other benefits of swimming.  In this article ..read more

Are you always falling behind in training? How about in competition? Would you like to fix that?  Are you looking to improve your pulling technique and power, build upper body strength, and swim faster? If so, a pull buoy can be a great addition to your swim workouts.  According to a study published in the BioMed Research Journal, your arm stroke can contribute upwards to an average of 68.45% to your total swimming velocity. This means that building a strong pull is an essential aspect of becoming a well-rounded swimmer.  So whether you are falling behind in training or com ..read more

According to the American College of Sports Medicine, all adults should participate in moderate-intensity aerobic activity for about 150 minutes weekly.  This includes activities like jogging, lifting weights, exercise classes, yoga, or cycling.  But, while almost all forms of exercise are good for your health, one has unmatched cardiovascular benefits, is low impact, has a low risk of injury, and a full body workout that anyone can participate in– swimming.  Now, as a retired athlete with two decades of swimming under my belt, it is fair to say swimming has had a considerable i ..read more

Swimming isn’t easy.  Maybe practice has been challenging. You are tired, stiff, and sore. The water is cold. You’re coming off a bad swim meet. You’ve plateaued in the water, and you’re wondering if you’ll ever be able to improve again.  You have a thousand different excuses that you can fall back on. And rightly so.  But will you let your excuses allow you to get the best of you? To get the best of your goals?  Feeling this way is normal, and every swimmer experiences this from time to time. However, try to keep an open mind. Think about your long-term goals. To get there ..read more

Did you know that upper-body strength is strongly correlated with swimming performance for both sprinters and distance swimmers? This is according to a study published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine. So how would it feel to know that you can improve your swimming performance and reduce your risk of injury without spending a single second extra in the pool?  Well, stick around because, in this article, I share the nitty-gritty of how you can do just that. Upper Body Exercises for Swimmers: Strength, Power, Speed! Here are the best upper body exercises for swimmer ..read more

Warmup and cooldown are two essential components of a swimmer’s routine. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, incorporating a swimming warm-up and cool-down is critical for optimal performance, preventing injuries, and optimizing recovery.  A proper warm-up will prepare your body to perform optimally during your training session or race. Similarly, a good cool-down routine helps you recover faster, relax your nervous system, and prepare for your next race or training session. In this article, I will discuss the importance of warming up and cooling down for swimming. I wil ..read more