Weight Training and alternating days-- how important is it?
Former Member
Quick question about weight training. I have been doing weights for about 8 weeks now, usually twice per week. I swim a minimum of 4 days a week, averaging about 5 days per week and topping out at 6. I plan to swim at least 5 days this week. The past couple of weeks have been crazy, and I only got one weight session in and 4 swim practices last week. Looks like I'll have to skip weights tonight too, so the only days I will be able to get weights in this week are tomorrow and Wednesday.
I know that with weight-training you are supposed to alternate days, but I am really anxious to get back to my regular schedule. (I don't have any meets coming up, so no need to take that into consideration.)
Would it be better to: (1) do weights two days in a row, or (2) do only one weight session this week, even though the last two weeks have been fairly light weeks?
Just looking for a reality check. Most non-swimmers think my workout routine is insane, so I can't ask any of them! ;)
Parents
Former Member
The answer to your question revolves around the word “results” - If your times are dropping or you’re getting more fit, then keep on doing what you’re doing. If not, you need to either rest more or work harder.
Your body will react to workouts different than someone else, so a “cookie-cutter” approach isn't something you should be looking for. You’ll need to know how your body responds to work. In other words, you’ll need to know how to tax your body and how much rest it needs to recover. If you use baseline training principals you should be able to taylor-make a training regime that you'll be happy with because it gets you results. Good Luck, Coach T.
The answer to your question revolves around the word “results” - If your times are dropping or you’re getting more fit, then keep on doing what you’re doing. If not, you need to either rest more or work harder.
Your body will react to workouts different than someone else, so a “cookie-cutter” approach isn't something you should be looking for. You’ll need to know how your body responds to work. In other words, you’ll need to know how to tax your body and how much rest it needs to recover. If you use baseline training principals you should be able to taylor-make a training regime that you'll be happy with because it gets you results. Good Luck, Coach T.
