Does swimming build MUSCLE, or do I need to go to the gym?
Former Member
I want to swim more, but I also want to get bigger (I'm 6 foot 140 pounds, so pretty scrawny at the moment.)
At first I thought these might be conflicting goals -- more cardio = get smaller.
But assuming proper nutrition, will I build muscle with swimming? Or is the Michael Phelps build a result of him going to the gym, and not his swim practice?
swimming...and by that I mean SPRINTING, will build and maintain big amounts of muscle mass in the upper body. My lats, upper back, shoulders and chest are all as big, if not bigger than when I was powerlifting. Swimming will make you a pull up freak.
My legs and glutes however are not nearly as big as when I was squatting heavy and track sprinting, so I would say yes...and no.
Anaerobic training will work its magic.
swimming...and by that I mean SPRINTING, will build and maintain big amounts of muscle mass in the upper body. My lats, upper back, shoulders and chest are all as big, if not bigger than when I was powerlifting. Swimming will make you a pull up freak.
My legs and glutes however are not nearly as big as when I was squatting heavy and track sprinting, so I would say yes...and no.
Anaerobic training will work its magic.
