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:
There's something to be said about health benefits outside of the pool regardless of what kind of effect they might offer towards swimming performance.
Research has shown that impact sports are ideal for developing bone density which is something that swimming really lacks. That said, any kind of weight bearing activity whether it be running, tennis or lifting should really be encouraged.
An interesting study was done at Texas A&M University regarding bone mineral density in college athletes and the swimmers ranked the lowest!
www.swimmingscience.net/.../bone-mineral-density-in-swimmers.html
This is really worrisome. Do you happen to know if using a Bowflex rather than actual weights, would count as "weight bearing" exercise?
There's something to be said about health benefits outside of the pool regardless of what kind of effect they might offer towards swimming performance.
Research has shown that impact sports are ideal for developing bone density which is something that swimming really lacks. That said, any kind of weight bearing activity whether it be running, tennis or lifting should really be encouraged.
An interesting study was done at Texas A&M University regarding bone mineral density in college athletes and the swimmers ranked the lowest!
www.swimmingscience.net/.../bone-mineral-density-in-swimmers.html
This is really worrisome. Do you happen to know if using a Bowflex rather than actual weights, would count as "weight bearing" exercise?
