i have read (here actually: www.swimdcac.org/.../article5.html) that the bench press does more harm than good for swimmers. what is everyone else's opinion (and experience)??
Interesting view point...but bench pressing can't be all that bad for swimming. By default, the abdominal muscles will get a work out...along with all the smaller muscles which are straining to push the weight upwards. Bench pressing in itself will strengthen your triceps (good for swimming).
However, the best muscle building for the triceps will come from doing dips.
Another muscle group to target are the lats. Lat pull downs on a weight machine and pull-ups/chin/ups will strengthen these back muscles.
Very good for swimming.
Maybe it all depends on how these exercises are being done.
Bad form will cause damage.
That is true but... so will bad anatomy...even with good form! We've had this technique vs anatomy discussion many times on the shoulder problem threads. I believe its not always technique problems at fault!
Interesting view point...but bench pressing can't be all that bad for swimming. By default, the abdominal muscles will get a work out...along with all the smaller muscles which are straining to push the weight upwards. Bench pressing in itself will strengthen your triceps (good for swimming).
However, the best muscle building for the triceps will come from doing dips.
Another muscle group to target are the lats. Lat pull downs on a weight machine and pull-ups/chin/ups will strengthen these back muscles.
Very good for swimming.
Maybe it all depends on how these exercises are being done.
Bad form will cause damage.
That is true but... so will bad anatomy...even with good form! We've had this technique vs anatomy discussion many times on the shoulder problem threads. I believe its not always technique problems at fault!
