Can someone please explain to me why distance swimmers are encouraged NOT to lift weights, or too much weight?
I've read the "do nots" but no one explains the "whys".
Help!
Former Member
Weight lifting really helped my swimming. I lift about 3-4 times per week and swim on non weight lifting days. I guess I do medium repititions, about 8-15. I try to use free weights as much as possible because they give you the best range of motion. Unless you're a professional swimmer i think its silly to be afraid of "bulking up" too much from weight lifting.
I think I understand what you're talking about....but....is it similar to sprinters (running) vs. distance runners? Sprinters are buff; distance runners are thin. Same concept?
Is there a coach or trainer out there who could please, please answer my question??? If you don't want to post on the forum, please send me an email at swimchick_85@hotmail.com
So then when kind of strengthening program should a distance person do? Now we get into all kinds of questions like....how much time in the water should a distance person spend....??
Can anyone hear the can of worms being opened???
Thanks for the feedback you guys!
Kari of the dreaded yet most loved 1650
;)
Here is how I have understood it:
Lite weights and high reps simulate most closely what a 1650 will require of your body, i.e. a long period of relatively "moderate" exertion emphasizing oxygen efficiency in the muscles.
Heavy weight and short reps will simulate most closely what a 100 fly will require of your body, i.e. a brief period of heavy exertion bordering on oxygen deficiency in the muscles.
Weight training helps memorialize these concepts in your muscle memory.
In its simplest form, this is the deal.
If you have a huge amount of muscle mass those muscles are going to require a huge amount of oxygen to power them. This is great for sprints, but your lungs and heart can't supply this oxygen for long periods. For longer races you need a body that will use a lesser amount of oxygen, but sustain this level for much longer--hence less muscle bulk.
I'm not a physiologist or expert in any way, but this certainly makes sense to me.
EDIT: ^^ So, yeah, pretty much what Fred already said :)
