Looking at some pro swimmers I could not help noticing how big and muscular they are.Does bigger muscular weight contribute positively to speed or not?Phelps is awesome and definitely not the bulkiest guy in the pool.
I am 6'1'' and only weigh 160 lb. It's all muscles(award from my 5 years of weightlifting).I look heavier than what I weigh but still would like to gain more muscles( and strengh!) which I always had a problem with unless I ate 6 times a day.Swimming is even more calorie-consuming, so I think I am stuck where I am.But the question is:is that ok to be lighter in order to be faster?
Thanks.
Dima, you may get advice from people in a very different situation than yours. In high school, I would put on about 10 lbs in-season from added muscle (due to practice intensity, weight room, and dryland exercises). If I were to get in *serious* swimming shape now, I'd probably lose 15 lbs (even if I hit the weight room big-time), due to the non-functional weight hanging around my waist. :D
Keep in mind that strength is not the only component in swimming fast. As you build up in strength, unless you do a lot of stretching, you will lose flexibility. This will hurt your streamline, and probably endurance. Also, you'll need to work on your technique, so that your added strength goes into propelling you forward, instead of frothing up the water.
Dima, you may get advice from people in a very different situation than yours. In high school, I would put on about 10 lbs in-season from added muscle (due to practice intensity, weight room, and dryland exercises). If I were to get in *serious* swimming shape now, I'd probably lose 15 lbs (even if I hit the weight room big-time), due to the non-functional weight hanging around my waist. :D
Keep in mind that strength is not the only component in swimming fast. As you build up in strength, unless you do a lot of stretching, you will lose flexibility. This will hurt your streamline, and probably endurance. Also, you'll need to work on your technique, so that your added strength goes into propelling you forward, instead of frothing up the water.
