If this question has been asked/answered in another post, then I apologize. I've read in numerous places that fast swimmers don't really need a lot of weightlifting strength to go fast. But at the same time I see many posts about dryland exercises that involve some form of resistance training. So, has there been any studies showing a strength to bodyweight ratio regarding lifting weights? If so, what exercises were involved? I ask this with the assumption that swimming technique is not a factor, as in - "both swimmer A and swimmer B have technique down, but swimmer B is stronger in X amount of lifts. I hope this makes sense. Any thoughts? Thanks.:bouncing:
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This is a great question! I advocate training tagonist and antogonist muscles groups or opposite muscle groups. I do bicep/tricep, Quad/Ham, chest/back, Lats/deltoids, Soleus/Gastrocs, Abdominals/Lower back. I think Reverse flys, Shoulder cuff strengthening exercises, rowing and EVF isometrics should be done on every off day, before or after swimming. You don't need to spend more than 45min training three times a week to see some great results in about 6 to eight weeks. Symetry is the key along with a nice comfortable weight that you can do 8-12 (strength) 12-20 (tone) 20 to 50 (endurance). There's a lot of other things you can do to help your swimming (EVF Isometrics).
To answer the question, it doesn't take a great deal of strength to swim fast but it still remains an important variable. Holding the shoulder in an efficient position so an early vertical forearm can be attained requires a fit an symetrically built shoulder cuff and surrounding upper back muscles. So try to develop a totally fit body and you're going to feel and swim better. Good luck, Coach T.
This is a great question! I advocate training tagonist and antogonist muscles groups or opposite muscle groups. I do bicep/tricep, Quad/Ham, chest/back, Lats/deltoids, Soleus/Gastrocs, Abdominals/Lower back. I think Reverse flys, Shoulder cuff strengthening exercises, rowing and EVF isometrics should be done on every off day, before or after swimming. You don't need to spend more than 45min training three times a week to see some great results in about 6 to eight weeks. Symetry is the key along with a nice comfortable weight that you can do 8-12 (strength) 12-20 (tone) 20 to 50 (endurance). There's a lot of other things you can do to help your swimming (EVF Isometrics).
To answer the question, it doesn't take a great deal of strength to swim fast but it still remains an important variable. Holding the shoulder in an efficient position so an early vertical forearm can be attained requires a fit an symetrically built shoulder cuff and surrounding upper back muscles. So try to develop a totally fit body and you're going to feel and swim better. Good luck, Coach T.
