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.
I started doing weight training (again) last April, 2-3x week in addition to swimming (usually get in 5x week). I focus on chest, back, shoulders, and arms (both bicep and triceps). For the first month or so it felt like my swimming was slower than normal, but after that I started to notice a gradual change for the better. Now I'm doing times that I couldn't come close to prior.
I also started doing some jogging (light running) 2-3 times a week back in the fall, and have noticed a difference in my swimming with that too. My weight has been slowly dropping, and my breathing feels much smoother.
I think a well-rounded workout routine is the best, however I know that not everyone has the time to do all this.
I started doing weight training (again) last April, 2-3x week in addition to swimming (usually get in 5x week). I focus on chest, back, shoulders, and arms (both bicep and triceps). For the first month or so it felt like my swimming was slower than normal, but after that I started to notice a gradual change for the better. Now I'm doing times that I couldn't come close to prior.
I also started doing some jogging (light running) 2-3 times a week back in the fall, and have noticed a difference in my swimming with that too. My weight has been slowly dropping, and my breathing feels much smoother.
I think a well-rounded workout routine is the best, however I know that not everyone has the time to do all this.
