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Video: 9 Stretch Cord Exercises to Improve Swim Strength and Technique

You can use swim cords to build strength and technique—or use as a warm-up for swimming.

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When all the pools were closed during COVID, you probably got familiar with swim cords—but they can be a useful tool even when pools are open to build strength and technique, or to serve as a warm-up before jumping in the water. You can even replicate an entire swim practice with swim cords if you don’t have access to a pool or if you missed a swim after a busy day of work.

After 15–20 minutes of these exercises, you’ll leave with a bit of sweat and a lot of fatigue in your major muscles, so start easy and build until you’re more familiar with the exercises. Do 10–15 reps of each exercise and each arm when applicable