Articles by Olivier Poirier-Leroy

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If it's greatness you want, stop asking for permission.

6 Swim Workouts for a Stronger Core

Full Name:	Olivier Poirier-Leroy
Born:	September 10th, 1980
	Canada
Nationality:	Canada
Status:	Active

Olivier Poirier-Leroy has been involved in competitive swimming for most of his life. Starting off at the age of 6 he was thrown in the water at the local pool for swim lessons and since then has never wanted to get out. A nationally top ranked age grouper as both a 12 year and 14 year old, he experienced success on the national scene when he and three other 16-year olds teamed up to final at Senior Nationals and break the NAG for the 4x100m medley relay (twice). He helped lead McMaster University to an OUA title in 2002, while also finaling in several individual events at Senior Nationals before life led him away from the pool. These days he writes for SwimSwam on the history of our glorious sport, keeping good habits in the pool, and "hacking" the mental side of the sport. When not writing, or managing his day-to-day business you can find him torturing local lap swimmers, picking heavy things up and putting them back down, and making the most of the lovely outdoors that the Pacific west coast has to offer. To learn more about YourSwimBook, click here. Olivier is also the author of the popular mental training workbook for …

Swimming Workouts for a Strong Core

6 Swim Workouts for a Stronger Core

A strong core is essential for faster swimming. Here are six swim workouts and sets to target the core and abs in the pool.

Swim Sets for Underwater Dolphin Kick

5 Sets for Improving Underwater Dolphin Kick

Ready to power up your underwaters and fly kick? Dive into our favorite swim sets for improving the underwater dolphin kick.

Tips for Butterfly Stroke Technique

8 Tips for a Perfect Butterfly Stroke

Looking to get more from your butterfly? Here are eight tips for perfect butterfly stroke technique, including drills, cues, and more.

Benefits of Swimming with Fins

10 Benefits of Swimming with Fins (and Two Disadvantages)

Here is a look at the benefits of swimming with fins, including better technique, increased endurance, and a stronger kick.

Streamlining for Swimming

How to Streamline in Swimming Like a Pro (Swim Faster and Glide Farther)

Looking for more speed in the water? Here is how streamlining can help you swim faster and save energy and how to perfect your streamline.

Best Strength Training Exercises for Swimmers

7 Best Strength Training Exercises for Swimmers

Ready to unlock your full potential in the pool? Here are the best strength training exercises for swimmers to unleash the beast on your personal best times.

Swimming Workouts for Beginners

5 Swim Workouts for Beginners

Looking to get started with some swim training? Here are some awesome swim workouts for beginners to get in shape in the water.

Stretches for Swimmers

8 Essential Stretches for Swimmers

Ready to level up your swimming? Here are eight stretches for swimmers for more range of motion, increased power, and faster swimming in the pool.

30 Minute Swim Workouts

5 Swimming Workouts You Can Do in 30 Minutes or Less

Get more bang for your chlorinated buck in the pool with these 30-minute swim workouts for HIIT, pacing, calorie burning, and more.

Best Core Exercises for Swimmers

8 Best Core Exercises for Swimmers

Take your swimming to the next level with the eight best core exercises for swimmers to improve power, technique, reduced injury, and faster swimming.

Kicking Sets for Swimmers

7 Kick Sets for Swimmers

Level up your swimming with these seven swim kick sets for a stronger and more powerful kick in the pool. Grab your kickboard and let’s get our kick on!

How to Execute on Race Day When the Pressure is On

The hard work has been completed in practice. Now it’s time to put it all together on race day. Here are some proven strategies for executing under pressure.

How Swimmers Can Develop a “Victor” Mindset (and Ditch the Victim Mindset)

Struggling to take accountability and owning the process in the pool? Here’s how to do ditch the “victim” mindset with your swimming.

How Olympic Champion Ryan Murphy Deals with Pre-Race Nerves

Ryan Murphy is one of the most consistent swimmers at the international level. Here are some of his tips for how to execute like a pro under pressure.

The 3 Swimmers You Can Learn Most From

You will learn a lot of lessons from your time in the water. Here are the three swimmers you can learn most from to power your swimming to new heights.