RE: Weights during the Taper

Former Member — Fri, 28 Mar 2003 16:14:39 GMT

At least one of your friends is right, rest those muscles NOW. I would have told you if you are under 40 rest two weeks, over 40 lay off weights and Zoomers (all fins) for three weeks. You need to be testing yourself, I recommend vertical jumps. When I taper for Nationals my vertical jump improves 14 to 18 inches. Do this every other day up to the meet and a week after the meet. If you continue to jump higher after the meet you waited too long and will know better next time. Check out my articles at www.breaststroke.info/BRST6.htm Coach Wayne McCauley ASCA Level 5 Masters

RE: Weights during the Taper

Former Member — Fri, 28 Mar 2003 15:54:38 GMT

I significantly reduce my weight program's intensity 15-20 days prior to a major meet. This worked well for me 25 years ago and it still works now. When I do weights during the season I try constantly to convert power developed thru dry training into powerful efficient stroke. This is a challenge because when you do weights, you feel stiff in a water and sometimes are not in a control of your technique. Once I reduce weights, the latter disadvantages disappear. I get in control of my techique, feel high ina water and can speed up easy. Another benefit I get from my taper is I always get "a mental boost" because I feel so well in control and powerful in a water This schedule allows me "to shave" 1 - 1.5 seconds in 50M and 3 seconds in 100M free in the last month going into a main meet. (these results are at a top world level in my age group). Actual shaving helps a lot though. Because my mileage and intensity have never been and are relatively low, due to my slow recovery from workouts, taper is extermely important for me. One set I do during my taper every practice is to swim fast at least two - three reps at 95% effort with a concentartion "as if I am racing at my main meet". It may be different for a long distance events. Good luck.