By G. John Mullen of SwimmingScience.net and CenterofOptimalRestoration.com, Swimming World correspondent
SANTA CLARA, California, August 29. G. John Mullen, one of Swimming World's dryland correspondents, has posted a dryland tip video on SwimmingWorld.TV. Today's exercise is called a "Sweaty" primarily because you need to be wearing sweats while doing them.
Purpose: Swimming-specific exercise to improve speed of long axis (free or back) kicking.
Directions: Lie on a glute-ham machine or exercise ball orienting your legs above your head. In this position, the athlete will mimic flutter kick for a predetermined time. The athlete will kick as fast as they can, primarily focusing on the up kick, the commonly weak aspect of flutter kick. This exercise stresses multiple muscles groups, but the athletes should focus on the gluteals and hamstrings.
Dr. G. John Mullen is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. At USC, he was a clinical research assistant at USC performing research on adolescent diabetes, lung adaptations to swimming, and swimming biomechanics. G. John has been featured in Swimming World Magazine, Swimmer Magazine, and the International Society of Swim Coaches Journal. He is currently the strength and conditioning coach at Santa Clara Swim Club, owner of the Center of Optimal Restoration and creator of Swimming Science.