Hi all.
I'm in my late 20s, have been working out 4-5 times a week for the last 6 months or so, and recently I've added lap swimming to my exercise routine a couple of days each week. I hadn't done swimming for quite some time prior to starting up again, but I've found that I really enjoy it and would like to make it an even more central part of my workouts. As such, one of my major fitness goals now is to focus on exercises that will build my strength and endurance for swimming, and for a more long-term goal, I'd like to develop a toned (but not overly built) and slim build, or "swimmers build" as it's commonly called.
I'm thinking about getting a personal trainer to help me progress toward my goals, but I'm a little weary about signing up for training at my gym, only to get the luck of the draw with one of the many trainers. Instead, I'd be more interested in doing my homework and finding someone who specializes or is well-versed in personal training and fitness specific to swimming, and someone who can help me achieve my long term fitness goals. Mind you, I'm not necessarily looking for a swimming coach who will help me improve my swim strokes, technique, and so on. Rather, I'm looking more for a personal trainer who will help me focus on exercises that will best help my swimming and help me achieve my fitness goals. That said, are there personal trainers out there who specialize in training for swimmers, and if so, what would be the best way to locate some in my area?
Thanks!
If you have just started swimming, then any strength you build will be swimming specific strength.
It is at high training loads and after a few years of experience that the effect of strength training on swim speed drops. In new athletes, strength training will help you get faster so there is no need to worry that you would be doing the wrong thing.
However, a CSCS certified strength and conditioning specialist has training in using strength traning to make you better at your chosen sport. If you seriously are worried about this, then you can look for one of those guys, they will probably cost more.
Also, ask in your local masters swim club, there are members of that club who use personal trainers or even members who are personal trainers. So that can be a good source.
If you want a swimmer's body, then swim. Join your local USMS team.
Former Member
That said, are there personal trainers out there who specialize in training for swimmers, and if so, what would be the best way to locate some in my area?
I am going to say no, you are not going to find someone who specializes in swimmers. Dara Torres has a strength coach that specializes in football players. The strength coaches who specialize in swimmers work for large swim teams, but at heart, they are still strength coaches.
I don't think you need to worry about getting overly muscular, it is actually pretty difficult. If you control your calories, no matter how much you workout, you will not get bulky.
Put yourself in places where you will come in contract with people who would use personal trainers. The gym, triathlon groups and swim teams. At these groups, ask around if anyone is using a personal trainer, then ask about what kind of work the trainer has them doing. Does it appeal to you, does it seem like it would benefit your swimming?
Really, any strength program is about all you need.
Jason Lezak Plan
www.bodybuilding.com/.../jasonlezak1.htm
5x5 plan
stronglifts.com/.../
If that is too boring for you, you want to find a personal trainer that focuses on core work, weights and maybe plyometrics. Spending all your time on an exercise bike or a treadmill isn't going to do much for your swimming.
Former Member
I would suggest finding a swimming coach who has a background in exercise physiology, fitness and sports. There are probably a handful of swimming coaches in your area that study contemporary training practices as they relate to general and specific skill acquisition. There are many people on this site who would enjoy helping you find a swimming coach (in your area) that will suit your needs. Swimming skill acquisition is very specific, like most sports, and you'll need to find someone who understands swimming and exercise physiology. Hope you find what you're looking for. Coach T.
Former Member
I really need a trainer for my self that can e mail me
