Just a few days back I was nominated and admitted to the become part of the USA Sports Medicine Network in the field of Strength and Conditioning. As the only Strength and Conditioning Coach in the city of Chicago who is part of the network I would like to invite all coaches and swimmers to [...]

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On February 24th we will begin the next session of Wellfit’s Advanced Swim Clinic. This unique clinic focuses in developing the correct biomechanics to became an efficient freestyle swimmer.
Here are some of the topics we will cover on this clinic:
-Breakdown of the different phases of the freestyle stroke.
-Focus on the implementation of the most essential [...]

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The freestyle stroke is a complex activity that requires coordination, balance, flexibility and power. The synergy created among these elements create the desired fluid motion we look for when we move through the water.
In order to create that fluid motion we must first work on each component individually so we can diagnose weaknesses and fix [...]

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A few months ago I filmed a series of interviews with some top sport and fitness professionals. Coach Paul Moniak was my first subject. Watch the interview on the Video section of this website. Coach Moniak will be discussing swimming at the D-I, Master and Age group level. If swimming is your sport or if [...]

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The answer depends on the quantity of endurance training that is being perform. It is well established that endurance training is counterproductive to the development of power. Athletes that perform a lot of slow training are basically developing the ability to perform actions with low power output for longer periods of time.
If you are in [...]

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Swimming fast is about decreasing drag and maximizing propulsion. To do both we must work on establishing the right biomechanics before applying force.
The most common mistake when it comes to generating propulsion is to begin pushing downwards as soon as the hand enters the water. This movement of water towards the bottom of the pool [...]

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What do swimmers and coaches mean when they say that feel for the water must be developed? This phrase is often used to describe how a swimmer can become more efficient in the water.
Physiologically, to develop feel for the water means that two adaptations have taken place:
1. Stroke mechanics have improved: this means that we [...]

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This Sunday at 7am the first of 4 ninety minute sessions will begin at the University of Illinois-Chicago. I will be coaching the clinic along with longtime friend and fellow personal trainer Keith Keblaha. The clinic unlike any other in the city of Chicago will focus in developing techniques to maximize propulsion. We take pride [...]

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Aerobic endurance is traditionally defined a form of exercise that uses the Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs) and the Electron Transport Chain as its main pathways in energy production. Aerobic exercise produces far more ATP (energy) than anaerobic exercise and uses more fats as energy fuel.
A complete and sound exercise program should include a combination of [...]

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The air quality at the 2008 Olympics is a cause of concern for athletes across the world. With the Olympics taking place in less than a year many are questioning the quality of the environment and the extend of the possible negative effects in the athletes’ performance and health. Here is a short article on the [...]

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