I have been reading up on training and considering what I want to do for next season. During this, I came across this article reviewing several peer reviewed studies on the benefits of strength training endurance athletes including swimmers. Two interesting things were pointed out in this review.
Strength training for highly trained swimmers showed no benefit in swimming performance tests when compared to swimmers without the strength training.
Strength training for moderately trained (or less) athletes showed noticeable benefit.
I think most masters swimmers would consider themselves in category 2. If you consider yourself in category 1, that while there was no benefit shown for strength training, there was also no detriment shown. Based on this, if you have the time and the desire, there is no reason not to add strength training to your current program.
If anyone has read more current research (the referenced studies are 15-20 years old), or you have personal experience to share, please do.
Parents
Former Member
I'm at least 3 days in the pool, 2 in the gym (may add another day of either each) as well as some other cross training stuff. While it may/may not help in the pool, it DOES help with overall fitness and strength.....after all, we don't live in the pool. I think most of us have kids, lawns to mow, groceries to carry, etc, etc and the gym helps as part of an overall program.
Plus, to be honest, I don't want to every be a scrawny little 165-170 swimmer again anyway.
I'm at least 3 days in the pool, 2 in the gym (may add another day of either each) as well as some other cross training stuff. While it may/may not help in the pool, it DOES help with overall fitness and strength.....after all, we don't live in the pool. I think most of us have kids, lawns to mow, groceries to carry, etc, etc and the gym helps as part of an overall program.
Plus, to be honest, I don't want to every be a scrawny little 165-170 swimmer again anyway.
