Calling all USMS members. Your response to this post will be used to create an article in Swimmer magazine about cross training. What types of training do you most commonly do outside of the pool? How often? What cross training works the best, and what types are the least helpful for swimming? :bliss:
Cross-training means the exercise is intended to improve or supplement your swimming. If someone claimed they golfed as cross training for swimming, I would recommend they see a psychiatrist.
I'm guessing you play tennis because it's fun, not because you think it's going to help you in the pool.
Sir I take offense!! (just kidding) - However - I DO play tennis to cross train for my swimming. I absolutely hate running, but I know it would help my leg strength - I run a LOT playing tennis - I also feel that I improve my arm strength - especially as I change hands playing with my racquet. Tennis is very social - which is fabulous & something that is similar to swimming - I find swimming very social as well. Another thing tennis does for me is strengthen and tone my obliques - I tend to look a little bit like a refrigerator (no waistline) - tennis & the stretching it requires helps me with that. By playing tennis I use very different muscles than I do while swimming, so that has to be of benefit. Plus, it's nice to mix it up for your brain. I absolutely am addicted to swimming, but there's more to life than the pool. I think my swimming makes my tennis better and vice versa.
Cross-training means the exercise is intended to improve or supplement your swimming. If someone claimed they golfed as cross training for swimming, I would recommend they see a psychiatrist.
I'm guessing you play tennis because it's fun, not because you think it's going to help you in the pool.
Sir I take offense!! (just kidding) - However - I DO play tennis to cross train for my swimming. I absolutely hate running, but I know it would help my leg strength - I run a LOT playing tennis - I also feel that I improve my arm strength - especially as I change hands playing with my racquet. Tennis is very social - which is fabulous & something that is similar to swimming - I find swimming very social as well. Another thing tennis does for me is strengthen and tone my obliques - I tend to look a little bit like a refrigerator (no waistline) - tennis & the stretching it requires helps me with that. By playing tennis I use very different muscles than I do while swimming, so that has to be of benefit. Plus, it's nice to mix it up for your brain. I absolutely am addicted to swimming, but there's more to life than the pool. I think my swimming makes my tennis better and vice versa.
