Just curious how often you all swim. When I say swim, of course I mean practice. Not floating..hehe.
I swim usually about 4 times per week. Sometimes I wonder if this is enough. On off days I either run or do weights....then take one day completely off.
:bliss:Since there is no organized team in my town and morning team does not work for me because of my work- I have to drive hour each way for 1.5hrs training 6 days a week. I know some of you will say "you are crazy!" and I will say yes iam - Why?- I became sooo addicted to swimming i do not mind the commute. It is great team we have swim clinics, we go the the meets. I just love it?
think i'll add some weight training on Sundays...
Robert
Does swimming 7 days a week provide extra health/fitness benefits as compared to 5-6 days? Any opinions on this?
I doubt it. I think it's more of an addiction. I imagine that for building optimal fitness, a couple of rest days are probably the best set-up. But when you are hooked on that great post-workout feeling, you don't want to go a day without it if you don't have to.
Even though I don't swim every day, I probably would if I could. And those around me would praise me for my strength of willpower, never suspecting that I am just a chlorine junky.
I try really hard to swim 5 times a week . However, this summer I have been lucky to make it 4 times a week.
When school starts bak up for my children and our lives have even more "structure" I will get back into my regular routine.
I remember reading a study that said that the body really needs at least 3 days a week in order to improve in swimming. I'm not sure what study it was, but it sounds a little fishy to me. Is anyone familiar with this study or have any thoughts on it? I would imagine muscle atrophy wouldn't occur in that short of a time period.
I think that the study was done in the 80s (someone who is more familiar with the literature can chime in). If I can remember correctly, 3 times a week will maintain the gains from training, while a greater frequency will only help enhance and less frequency will not improve performance. There is more to it than just the number of days you do something, you have to take into account the intensity as well.
A year ago I was doing 1 day a week, early in the year I was doing 2 days a week, and the last few months I have been averaging 3-3.5 days / week. As I improve my form I hope I can swim more days/week without pain/injuries (there have been mild neck and shoulder injuries in the past).
I remember reading a study that said that the body really needs at least 3 days a week in order to improve in swimming. I'm not sure what study it was, but it sounds a little fishy to me. Is anyone familiar with this study or have any thoughts on it? I would imagine muscle atrophy wouldn't occur in that short of a time period.
