So today I'm starting this thread because I am fairly new to weightlifting in terms to help my speed.
I started lifting in August, back then my times were a 26 for my 50 free, 57 for my 100 free, and a 2:12 for my 200 free. My goals are to get about 24's/25's for my 50, 54's/55's for my 100 free, and under 2:06 for my 200 free by February, and and ultimate goal of 1:55.45 for my 200 free by May.
So right now my weight lifting maxes are at:
140 pounds (including the bar) at regular bench lifting
250 pounds (including the bar) at regular back squats
Now I don't know my max for front squats, but I've been capable for doing reps of 8 of 115 pounds
I also don't know my max for incline bench lifting but I've been capable of doing reps of 10 with 65 pounds
Also my reps for regular bench lifting is 3x5 105 pounds and for regular back squats are 4x10 105 pounds
I can only lift mondays-thursday at my weights class for 1 hour. The schedule goes as follows:
Mondays - we lift (arms)
Tuesdays - we squat (legs)
Wednesdays - all equipment is open except for benches (every now and then I dedicate this day for push ups)
Thursdays - we lift (arms)
So what do you think? Should I modify my workout to reach my goals. Note: my best times come from the summer, I haven't swam a meet since the summer due to my schedule, but there is a meet in December I do have time for.
I disagree, I think that a good weight-lifting program should be more well-rounded for overall fitness and health, for better muscular "balance" if you will. And ultimately I think this is good for swimming as well.
I also disagree with Paul about bench press being useless for swimmers. And I don't know that it poses any more danger than most other exercises, any of which -- if done incorrectly -- can lead to injury.
Chris, feel free to disagree but my argument is based on having been through two shoulder surgeries for just what I explained. I'll take my own experience along with the Doctors who treated me and/or we have worked with for our team (Steadman Hawkins Clinic in Vail and Dr. Kip Sharpe orthopedic surgeon for the Chicago Cubs) along with at least a dozen college and club coaches who's programs I highly respect and who have left bench press many years ago.
A swimmer can go through their career never getting injured doing bench press but those that do this exercise without doing strength training for the surrounding muscle groups in the shoulders and supportive muscles in the back are at higher risk...for minimal gain (in swimming)....IMHO!
Just one of many articles that offer a very good overview of what I'm talking about: www.livestrong.com/.../
I disagree, I think that a good weight-lifting program should be more well-rounded for overall fitness and health, for better muscular "balance" if you will. And ultimately I think this is good for swimming as well.
I also disagree with Paul about bench press being useless for swimmers. And I don't know that it poses any more danger than most other exercises, any of which -- if done incorrectly -- can lead to injury.
Chris, feel free to disagree but my argument is based on having been through two shoulder surgeries for just what I explained. I'll take my own experience along with the Doctors who treated me and/or we have worked with for our team (Steadman Hawkins Clinic in Vail and Dr. Kip Sharpe orthopedic surgeon for the Chicago Cubs) along with at least a dozen college and club coaches who's programs I highly respect and who have left bench press many years ago.
A swimmer can go through their career never getting injured doing bench press but those that do this exercise without doing strength training for the surrounding muscle groups in the shoulders and supportive muscles in the back are at higher risk...for minimal gain (in swimming)....IMHO!
Just one of many articles that offer a very good overview of what I'm talking about: www.livestrong.com/.../
