Weight Training

Complementing pool workouts with dryland is beneficial. When a weight program is implemented make sure a properly trained health professional (physical therapist, sports medecine trainer, to name a couple) design this. Unless you have knowledge :) A weight program is designed to improve your swimming. It has to be specific to your needs, body type and style of swimming. (Eg sprinter vs marathon swimmer). You don't want to end up bulked up like Mr. Atlas -- how much more resistance in the water do we need ;) Usually a 12 week weight program is recommended. It is also recommended that a person swims first and lifts weights after. Trying to swim with already heavily worked arms will not enhance your technique. Putting the wrong movement into the muscle memory takes a very long and frustrating amount of time to undo those bad habits. Included in a weight program will also be your shoulder prevention exercises, core strength exercises and a most important an too often overlooked Stretch Program. When we use our muscles they work hard, and will shorten. To use a muscle efficiently we must have a very good range of motion. Stretching ensures this as well as the health of our muscles and joints. And it will help to prevent injury. How many swimmers do dryland and stretching after a workout? How many swimmers do dryland and stretching? How many times a weeK? "To motivate, add water" "Fear is a reaction, courage is a decision"

Complementing pool workouts with dryland is beneficial. When a weight program is implemented make sure a properly trained health professional (physical therapist, sports medecine trainer, to name a couple) design this. Unless you have knowledge :) A weight program is designed to improve your swimming. It has to be specific to your needs, body type and style of swimming. (Eg sprinter vs marathon swimmer). You don't want to end up bulked up like Mr. Atlas -- how much more resistance in the water do we need ;) Usually a 12 week weight program is recommended. It is also recommended that a person swims first and lifts weights after. Trying to swim with already heavily worked arms will not enhance your technique. Putting the wrong movement into the muscle memory takes a very long and frustrating amount of time to undo those bad habits. Included in a weight program will also be your shoulder prevention exercises, core strength exercises and a most important an too often overlooked Stretch Program. When we use our muscles they work hard, and will shorten. To use a muscle efficiently we must have a very good range of motion. Stretching ensures this as well as the health of our muscles and joints. And it will help to prevent injury. How many swimmers do dryland and stretching after a workout? How many swimmers do dryland and stretching? How many times a weeK? "To motivate, add water" "Fear is a reaction, courage is a decision"