The Effortless Swimming Podcast cover image

The Effortless Swimming Podcast

#313 : How To Strengthen And Stretch Your Hip Flexors For A Better Kick with Carl Reader

Dec 27, 2023
Expert in exercise physiology and Pilates, Carl Reader, discusses exercises to improve movement patterns for swimmers. Topics include modified squats for hip flexor activation, sumo squats for inner thigh muscles and knee stabilization, addressing imbalances, and the body's electrical system. Tune in for tips on enhancing swimming performance through improved movement.
27:18

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • A modified squat can help swimmers improve mobility in their lower back, upper thoracic spine, inner thigh, groin, and hamstrings while activating and strengthening the hip flexors.
  • Swimmers can target and strengthen their adductor muscles by performing the sumo squat, which can aid in knee stabilization and release tension in the hips.

Deep dives

Modified Squat for Improved Mobility

A modified squat can be a helpful exercise for swimmers with limited mobility in their lower back, upper thoracic spine, inner thigh, groin, and hamstrings. By raising the heels slightly, about half an inch or one and a half centimeters, the tension in the lower back, calves, and hamstrings is reduced, allowing swimmers to squat down deeper without straining their knees. This modified squat also activates and strengthens the hip flexors, which can help release tightness in that area. Various objects like a rolled-up towel or a mat can be used to elevate the heels during this exercise.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode