Ryan Evernden is the founder of Formidable Strength and Conditioning, a coaching service that’s reshaping how swimmers integrate strength training into their routines. Ryan isn't just any strength coach; he specializes in tailoring strength and conditioning programs specifically for swimmers, helping them power through the water with more speed and resilience while safeguarding against injuries.
Today, Ryan will share his insights on the essential strength exercises for swimmers, how to prevent common swimming injuries, and some truly inspiring success stories from the athletes he’s worked with. Whether you’re a competitive swimmer looking to enhance your performance or a recreational swimmer aiming to swim smarter and stronger, Ryan’s expertise is sure to provide valuable guidance.

02:19 Veering towards Strength Training for Swimmers
03:11 Trying to Create Swimmers For Life
04:14 Preventing Injuries
04:32 Coming Right Back Around The Basics
06:14 Assessing Mobility and Range of Motions
07:20 Improving Overhead Range of Motions
11:18 Starting Inside Out
12:13 Finding The Balance
14:51 Strength Required For Long Distance Swimmers
21:38 How Do I Fit My Strength Sessions
29:00 Common Misconceptions
35:33 Age Group Strength and Conditioning

What does it take to finish second at the Ironman World Championships? In this episode, I'm joined by professional triathlete, Kat Matthews, who's not only a fierce competitor, but also a source of inspiration for anyone looking to elevate their performance. Kat opens up about the strategies and habits that helped her climb to the top, from staying consistent with her swim training, even while traveling, to making small technique tweaks that delivered massive results.

We talk about her mental approach to open water swimming, How she tackles the swim to bike transition, and the mindset required to thrive in tough race conditions. Kat also shares her journey of recovering from injury, and how it transformed her mental resilience. We discuss why creating a stable training environment, and dialing in proper nutrition, and learning to fuel correctly during workouts can make all the difference.

Not just in racing, but in life. Whether you're a triathlete, a swimmer, or someone looking to gain a competitive edge, This episode is packed with actionable tips and powerful insights to help you achieve your best. So dive in and let Kat's story motivate you to push past your limits.

03:02 Leading up to the World Championship. Keeping the consistency and structure.

06:59 Vo2 Sets.

09:13 Travel and Training Calendar.

10:44 No Pressure Swims.

12:48 Change of Pace, Feeling of Control.

17:02 Swimming From Inside Out.

19:14 Race Conditions.

24:52 Don't Be A Victim

26:50 Openwater Stroke.

28:04 Bike Transition

33:00 Creating a Stable Training Environment

39:54 Fueling Correctly.

Mitch Kibby is a professional triathlete who's placed 16th in the 70.3 World Championship. He began his triathlon career without a swimming background, and has gone on to compete with some of the strongest swimmers in the pro field. This is how he did it.

00:22 Introduction
00:57 Favourite cue
01:56 Kick
03:03 Breathing both sides
05:11 Catch and pull
08:38 Developing speed
09:57 Long-term approach to improvement
10:33 Finding the right company and support

With experience coaching over 8,000 swimmers, I'm sharing what really works to improve your freestyle—from finding a relaxed, efficient stroke to mastering the catch and pull. Tune in now!

00:34 Introduction
00:59 The Importance of Relaxation and Breathing
02:54 Reducing Drag for Better Swimming
04:41 Achieving the Perfect Body Position
06:04 Effective Leg Movement and Core Engagement
09:56 Mastering Rotation
13:21 Breathing Techniques
17:01 Recovery and Entry Position
23:40 Perfecting the Catch and Pull
30:55 Finish of Stroke
32:43 Rhythm and the Timing of the Stroke (the dance)

In this episode, we sit down with Tracey Baumann to explore swim stroke synchronization and body connection for a more efficient swim. We discuss six key synchronization points, the importance of feeling the water, and the role of joint mechanics in creating a powerful stroke. Tracy shares her coaching evolution toward focusing on technique and sensory cues, emphasizing the benefits of short-interval training. Tune in now!

00:08 Introduction
01:12 Upcoming Swimming Camps
01:34 Meet Tracey Baumann
2:23 Starting with Stroke Synchronization
3:17 Building the Stroke from the Inside Out
6:45 Avoiding Dead Spots in the Stroke
10:12 Six Key Synchronization Points
17:37 Transferring Pressure and Connecting with the Water
22:52 Softening the Hands for Better Connection
27:00 Effective Coaching Language
29:40 Grounding and Body Awareness
36:00 Short Interval Training
38:40 The Impact of Bones and Joint Mechanics
42:37 Get in touch with Tracey!

Kiah Melverton, an Olympian, former world record holder, and World Championship silver medalist, joins us in this episode. Kiah offers advice on improving freestyle technique, highlighting key areas swimmers should focus on to achieve a faster, more efficient stroke. Tune in now!

00:30 Meet Kia Malverton
00:5 Head and Body Position
01:26 Kicking
04:01 Recovery and Catch
05:24 Breathing Techniques and Rhythm
07:17 Racing Cues and Technique Focus
09:15 Reflecting on Career Highlights
10:12 Advice and Training Insights
11:56 Challenging and Favorite Sets

I’ve spent 25 years helping adults become better swimmers, from beginners to pro triathletes. In this podcast, I’ll share what really works to go from feeling slow and frustrated to swimming fast, efficiently, and effortlessly.

00:00 Introduction
00:54 Balancing Tension and Relaxation
01:34 Reality vs Perception
02:24 Finding Your Unique Swimming Style
03:34 The Importance of Technique Over Effort
04:48 Kick Supports NOT Propels
05:57 Overthinking vs Feeling the Water
07:35 Swim Softer to go FASTER
08:42 Consistency is KING
11:14 Don't train like a runner!
13:26 Using Swimming Aids
15:09 Developing Your Stroke Step-by-Step
16:37 Long-Term vs Short-Term Goals
18:34 Strength and Mobility
20:08 Slow to Fast
21:14 Stroke Length vs Stroke Rate
23:26 Training for Specific Events
24:39 Open Water Swimming Tips
25:45 Turn off distraction!

Today, we’re joined by Craig Lewin, founder of Endurance Swimming, who discovered his passion in the open water. Though he started as an average swimmer in the pool, Craig found his stride in marathon swimming, where endurance and mindset matter more than speed. In this episode, he shares his journey and insights on tackling challenging open water swims. Tune in now!

01:24 Journey into Marathon Swimming
06:01 Building a Support Network and Mentors
13:05 Training and Recovery Strategies
15:25 Patience in Progress: The Long-Term Training Mindset
18:15 Embracing the Flow: Letting Go of Pace in Long Swims
20:45 Tempo vs. Stroke Length
22:30 Mental Preparation and Long Swims
27:35 Building Confidence Through Repetition
28:36 Finding the Right Coach for Long Swims
31:05 Get in touch with Craig!