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
Nothing wrong with doing a heavy day followed by a light day, just to get the exercise in.
If you are used to lifting only twice a week, and you are lifting heavy, that it is unlikely that you can get the same level of intensity in day after day. Now is a good of time as any to find out. If repeat your normal workout and you are exhausted on day two, then you know you are putting in close to the max you can regularly and you can be happy about that. If not, and you whip through day two like a normal workout, you need to push yourself harder in the weight room, or maybe reconsider what your goals are.
If you are fairly new to weight training, then it is possible you can just recover fast enough and be maxing out in the gym.
So, no answers from me. Do it, and you will find out your own answers :)
Nothing wrong with doing a heavy day followed by a light day, just to get the exercise in.
If you are used to lifting only twice a week, and you are lifting heavy, that it is unlikely that you can get the same level of intensity in day after day. Now is a good of time as any to find out. If repeat your normal workout and you are exhausted on day two, then you know you are putting in close to the max you can regularly and you can be happy about that. If not, and you whip through day two like a normal workout, you need to push yourself harder in the weight room, or maybe reconsider what your goals are.
If you are fairly new to weight training, then it is possible you can just recover fast enough and be maxing out in the gym.
So, no answers from me. Do it, and you will find out your own answers :)
