One easy exercise for better shoulder mobility when you swim
One thing I have found while coaching pool side is that often athletes lack the shoulder mobility to get the nice high elbow that enables them to properly set up the catch phase.
This is often the case with athletes that do not have a childhood background in swimming and it is also more noticeable in male athletes.
The lack of range of motion can be easily be improved on with some stretching and mobility work. While I know that us triathletes are busy and the idea of doing intense stretching and gym work would get passed over for a spicier session of intervals.
A lot of your shoulder mobility can be improved with the simple exercise of wall angels.
How to do wall angels:
Stand with your head, shoulders, upper back, and bum pressed against the wall. Your feet may need to be 6–12 inches from the wall. Keep your knees slightly bent as this will reduce muscle tension.
With the backs of your hands against the wall, stretch arms straight above your head. Now you’re in the starting position.
Squeeze your mid-back as you slide arms down toward shoulders. Keep your body firmly pressed against the wall.
When the elbows are just below shoulders, pause for just a sec, then slide your arms back up to the starting position.
Repeat 2–3 sets of 15–20 reps.
Give it a go and let us know how you got on.
