How do yo engage your core whilst swimming?

Triathlon Forum
1

I’m 40. MOP, 12hr IM.

I learned to swim when I was 25.

The last few years I’ve been working on my swim and it seems like I have one major hurdle to clear before I reach another improvement with my swim performance (time and technique can only get me so far).

I suppose that this falls into the category of technique because without my core, then my legs start to sink, BUT how do I learn to engage my core whilst swimming?

With all of the other movements and mental cues happening at the same time, I cannot seem to engage my core during the stroke. I can slow things down and do drills that focus on fewer movements within that drill, but what drills can I do to help engage my core whilst swimming so that I can keep my legs higher in the water?

Thx!

2

Do lots of kick sets. With kick board, without, lots of dolphin kicking.

You don’t need to kick hard when you swim, but I find kicking hard really helps work the core muscles.

I think the idea is to engage your hamstrings, glutes, and lower back, which shifts your centre of buoyancy closer to your centre of gravity, making your legs rise. Here is a great video explaining it:

https://youtu.be/oW5nE5FBPsQ