Controversy continues

Very interesting thread! I agree with many of the insights mentioned here. I used to be running and lifting weights, as a result my body fat was only 7%, with well defined 6 pack abs. I've since switched from running to swimming. I'd think that swimming burns more calorie and is more taxing than running, but the definition on my abs is beginning to fade. I guess our bodies adjust to the sports we do. As swimmers, our bodies can't be too angular and cut, they need to be more round to create less drag. Sort of like F-22 stealth fighter's round shape to avoid rader detection. While F-15 looks mighty good with its chiseled shape, it has too much angular surface areas that reflect radar beams. Micheal Phelps still has a 6 pack abs probably because he's still so young. Ian Thorpe has never been known to have a chiseled physique. He carries a little extra weight imo. But boy can he glide in the water. He uses the fewest number of strokes to cover the races. He makes swimming look easy. Now the million dollar question is, how can we avid swimmers to continue enjoying swimming while maintaining a well defined body? :mad: Can we have both? Swimming can be a great workout, especially if you're training hard. But to have it all, I think it's better to cross train with other sports and weights. And swimming makes me gain weight even when I lift weights and do core work. I was thinner and more toned as a runner. I'd take my runner's bod back in a heartbeat. Plus, even if some guy swimmers like big shoulders, not many others do. I ran into a tri/personal trainer friend of mine the other day who I hadn't seen in a long time. She said "Oh, are you still swimming?" Then she looked appraisingly at my arms and said, "I see you are, you're less defined." And I thought I had buff arms ... As to the girls, the ones I see with a little belly do not do a sport involving a regular cardiovascular workout. And kids eat a lot of crap these days. I agree with Bill though. Looking at the pros, the guy swimmers have wayyy better bodies than other athletes. Now, back to masters swimming.

Very interesting thread! I agree with many of the insights mentioned here. I used to be running and lifting weights, as a result my body fat was only 7%, with well defined 6 pack abs. I've since switched from running to swimming. I'd think that swimming burns more calorie and is more taxing than running, but the definition on my abs is beginning to fade. I guess our bodies adjust to the sports we do. As swimmers, our bodies can't be too angular and cut, they need to be more round to create less drag. Sort of like F-22 stealth fighter's round shape to avoid rader detection. While F-15 looks mighty good with its chiseled shape, it has too much angular surface areas that reflect radar beams. Micheal Phelps still has a 6 pack abs probably because he's still so young. Ian Thorpe has never been known to have a chiseled physique. He carries a little extra weight imo. But boy can he glide in the water. He uses the fewest number of strokes to cover the races. He makes swimming look easy. Now the million dollar question is, how can we avid swimmers to continue enjoying swimming while maintaining a well defined body? :mad: Can we have both? Swimming can be a great workout, especially if you're training hard. But to have it all, I think it's better to cross train with other sports and weights. And swimming makes me gain weight even when I lift weights and do core work. I was thinner and more toned as a runner. I'd take my runner's bod back in a heartbeat. Plus, even if some guy swimmers like big shoulders, not many others do. I ran into a tri/personal trainer friend of mine the other day who I hadn't seen in a long time. She said "Oh, are you still swimming?" Then she looked appraisingly at my arms and said, "I see you are, you're less defined." And I thought I had buff arms ... As to the girls, the ones I see with a little belly do not do a sport involving a regular cardiovascular workout. And kids eat a lot of crap these days. I agree with Bill though. Looking at the pros, the guy swimmers have wayyy better bodies than other athletes. Now, back to masters swimming.