Does anyone know how strong the top swimmers are? Guys like M. Phelps or B. Hansen, how much can they lift with their legs, bench, lat pull, curl, tri ex, etc. I am making weight training a big part of my workouts, but I understand, at a certain point, adding more muscle or strength is not going to be of much benefit.
Greg, bottom line, my opinion, take it or leave it.
In your original post, you asked for lifting numbers with the idea that you wanted to get some idea of a "ceiling" that you can feel good about once you approach it; otherwise you feared would get too bulky. At least, that was how I interpreted your question.
I ABSOLUTELY think an intense strength-training program (in its broadest sense, usually taken to mean weight lifting) is a big help in swimming faster. However, I disagree with you on two key points:
-- I disagree with the notion of a ceiling. You can get stronger without adding bulk (at least, to the extent that it makes you slower).
-- I disagree with the idea of comparing numbers with other swimmers. You should look at your own numbers, try to improve them, and shake things around when you plateau.
When I look at posts by Ande or Paul W or Paul S or Jazz or anyone else about their strength training routines, I completely ignore their weights and instead look at the exercises they do, how many sets, how many reps. If it looks interesting to me then (after getting the form down, of course) I would adjust my weights to match # of reps/sets and try to increase the weight with time, in order to build strength/power in the water. I periodize by switching around exercises, or trying new ones, and changing reps and rest between sets (sometimes focus on muscular endurance, sometimes focus on power).
Good luck.
Greg, bottom line, my opinion, take it or leave it.
In your original post, you asked for lifting numbers with the idea that you wanted to get some idea of a "ceiling" that you can feel good about once you approach it; otherwise you feared would get too bulky. At least, that was how I interpreted your question.
I ABSOLUTELY think an intense strength-training program (in its broadest sense, usually taken to mean weight lifting) is a big help in swimming faster. However, I disagree with you on two key points:
-- I disagree with the notion of a ceiling. You can get stronger without adding bulk (at least, to the extent that it makes you slower).
-- I disagree with the idea of comparing numbers with other swimmers. You should look at your own numbers, try to improve them, and shake things around when you plateau.
When I look at posts by Ande or Paul W or Paul S or Jazz or anyone else about their strength training routines, I completely ignore their weights and instead look at the exercises they do, how many sets, how many reps. If it looks interesting to me then (after getting the form down, of course) I would adjust my weights to match # of reps/sets and try to increase the weight with time, in order to build strength/power in the water. I periodize by switching around exercises, or trying new ones, and changing reps and rest between sets (sometimes focus on muscular endurance, sometimes focus on power).
Good luck.
