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!
Parents
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.
Reply
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.
