Swim Strength: Chest Pullover

Discussing exercise science in swimming and the "why" of swim-specific strength training movements.

A high range of motion is extremely important for the swimming arm stroke technical movement while the kicking motions of each stroke rely on a medium to minimal range of motion in the legs. During the arm recovery and entry the humerus (upper arm bone) may be limited by tightness in the pectoralis major, pec minor, the anterior deltoid, the abdominals at the lower ribs, and even the trapezius in the middle back. Remember, the shoulder is not a muscle, bone, or movement - it's a term used to generally describe the muscular interconnection of the clavicle, scapula, and humerus, as well as multiple ribs and spinal segments. A "shoulder" is not tight. Let's explore the chest pullover and why it helps you swim better.