Forge Fitness SXM and Carib Swim Team near one year of dryland training

Forge Fitness SXM and Carib Swim Team say they are nearing one year of a dryland training partnership for the team’s competitive swimmers. The programme places swimmers in structured strength and conditioning sessions intended to complement their pool training.

According to the organisations, sessions are held twice weekly and cover power, shoulder stability, pulling strength and lower-body strength. Coach and programme designer Cami Blijden developed the training around cardiovascular endurance, muscular power and joint mobility.

Carib Swim Team coach Eline Broere said the team sought expanded dryland training after coaches identified a need to improve swimmers’ muscular strength. Broere said swimmers had shown physical development and a better ability to sustain power, while Blijden said athletes were regularly setting personal best times.

The organisations cited a 10-year-old swimmer who progressed to jumping onto a 25-inch box after six months of training, and a 12-year-old swimmer who completed a sprint triathlon. Carib Swim Team athletes compete in pool events from 25 to 1,500 metres and open-water events from 750 metres to 5,000 metres.

Forge Fitness SXM and Carib Swim Team said they hope to continue the partnership and are exploring a joint event.