How to get stronger

I don't think I have an original idea on this topic, other than to say that I need to do more lifting myself. I've gotten some interesting suggestions from a local swimmer and habitual lifter. None of this is new, but they certainly applies to me: -get a lifting program that is sustainable. My challenge is to make it fit into my already hectic week. Maybe I'll swim no more than 3-4 days a week, lift more often? -have a long term plan that includes periodization that centers around a goal event. This would include 12+ weeks of lifting for strength (16-20 reps per exercise, 5 sets each), then 12+ weeks of "growth" (12 reps) then harder resistance, as few as 4-6 reps for power in the weeks leading up to the focus event. -hit each body region hard once a week. That could be Upper/lower/core if there are 3 sessions, or mix in core for 2 sessions/week. -don't worry about lots of different exercises unless you really love being in the gym and can devote a lot of time to it. -change your program every 4-6 weeks to avoid going stale. You can vary the routine in a number of ways- exercises, resistance, sequence, etc. These are generalities, I know, but I think the big picture is as important as deciding which lifts to do. Anyone have any comments on these basic principles?

I don't think I have an original idea on this topic, other than to say that I need to do more lifting myself. I've gotten some interesting suggestions from a local swimmer and habitual lifter. None of this is new, but they certainly applies to me: -get a lifting program that is sustainable. My challenge is to make it fit into my already hectic week. Maybe I'll swim no more than 3-4 days a week, lift more often? -have a long term plan that includes periodization that centers around a goal event. This would include 12+ weeks of lifting for strength (16-20 reps per exercise, 5 sets each), then 12+ weeks of "growth" (12 reps) then harder resistance, as few as 4-6 reps for power in the weeks leading up to the focus event. -hit each body region hard once a week. That could be Upper/lower/core if there are 3 sessions, or mix in core for 2 sessions/week. -don't worry about lots of different exercises unless you really love being in the gym and can devote a lot of time to it. -change your program every 4-6 weeks to avoid going stale. You can vary the routine in a number of ways- exercises, resistance, sequence, etc. These are generalities, I know, but I think the big picture is as important as deciding which lifts to do. Anyone have any comments on these basic principles?