<p>By Wayne Goldsmith</p><p>One of the hottest topics in swimming is always<strong> Dryland Training.</strong></p><p>When I speak at conferences, it’s inevitably a question from the audience. Swimming coaches have more opinions about dryland than just about anything else.</p><p>Here are the three most commonly asked questions:</p><p>* <strong>What are the best dryland exercises and programs?</strong></p><p>* <strong>When should we do dryland — before or after pool workouts?</strong></p><p>* <strong>At what age should young swimmers start strength training?</strong></p><p><strong>My answers:</strong></p><p><strong>1. Best exercises / best programs</strong></p><p>It doesn’t matter as much as you think.</p><p>Free weights, machines, body weight, pilates, yoga, a hybrid of everything — the method is less important than the outcome.</p><p>The key is to vary your dryland program so that:</p><p>* The swimmers enjoy it</p><p>* They complete it with the same focus and commitment as pool training</p><p>A program they hate is a program they won’t do properly.</p><p><strong>2. Timing — before or after pool?</strong></p><p>Simple answer: it depends on your focus.</p><p>If you’re doing a precise, accurate, speed or technique-focused pool session — it makes no sense to fatigue swimmers with heavy dryland beforehand.</p><p>Match the dryland timing to the pool session goals.</p><p><strong>3. Age to start dryland</strong></p><p>It doesn’t matter what age. It matters what they do.</p><p>Seven year olds can start a dryland program — IF it’s age and stage appropriate.</p><p>Running. Jumping. Throwing a light medicine ball. Body weight exercises like lunges and step-ups. Seeing how high they can jump.</p><p>Not heavy weights. Movement. Fun. Foundation.</p><p><strong>Watch the video and let me know — what are YOUR answers to dryland training’s three hottest topics?</strong></p><p><strong>Wayne Goldsmith</strong></p><p></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://swimminggold.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2">swimminggold.substack.com/subscribe</a>