I would like to hear thoughts on strength training for masters swimming. Here are a few questions of interest to me and also, I hope, to other forum members:
1. Is dry land strength transferable to the water? As far as I know, this is a very controversial question. The answer to this primary question is of the utmost importance. I remember reading that the great Australian coach Forbes Carlile didn't let Kieren Pierkins weight train because he felt that the answer to this question was no. Pierkins was the first swimmer to break 15:00 in the 1500m.
2. Most of us master swimmers have very busy professional carrers and our time is limited. So - should we cut into pool time to strength train?
3. If we conclude that strength training is beneficial to the swimmer then what method of strength training to employ? Free weights, machines, cables, cords, bodyweight exercises - combinations of these?
I have some more questions but I think that this is enough for openers.
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Former Member
Hi,
I agree with the previous writers. For me the strengt training is not a must for my swimming. Nowdays I swim three times per week and by doing that I can maintain my swimming level quite well. The reason for doing the strenght exercises is to increase my overal level of fitness and also injury prevention.
Back in the old days, while actice, we tried everything: some season with lots of heavy weights - that worked. And some season with only push ups and situps - that worked as well.
But as I grow older I focus more on staying fit and keeping my body free of injuries.
// jan
Hi,
I agree with the previous writers. For me the strengt training is not a must for my swimming. Nowdays I swim three times per week and by doing that I can maintain my swimming level quite well. The reason for doing the strenght exercises is to increase my overal level of fitness and also injury prevention.
Back in the old days, while actice, we tried everything: some season with lots of heavy weights - that worked. And some season with only push ups and situps - that worked as well.
But as I grow older I focus more on staying fit and keeping my body free of injuries.
// jan
