Though my form still needs a lot of work, I am considering starting strength training in the near future, since I have read about how it can help swimming speed, form, etc.
However, I am still struggling with the idea of why strength training is needed. Lets assume that lifting a certain weight in a certain way improves a core muscle, which will help steady my posture (?).
Now assuming I don't weight lift, but instead try to hold the proper posture (high elbow, etc.) for a long period of time, and gradually increase the time I do that over weeks and months, won't those muscle(s) automatically improve?
It seems to me that intuitively the proper muscles would gradually get stronger in order to adjust to the frequent usage - that way the exact muscles I need would get stronger, instead of having to train a large array of muscles that have a relation to swimming.
What am I missing?
Traditional training does not necessarily mean that you will increase muscle mass. You can easily train for strength at low reps (2 - 8) with 2 - 3 minutes per set (of course heavier loads) and not see an increase in mass.
Really???--
I have added heavy lifting once or twice a week to my regimen this year and I have had a marked (and satisfying) increase in muscle mass. Even at the age of 45 when you are supposed to have significantly less response, the difference is such that people from across the street comment on it. I am pretty sure its muscle, I actually lost 13 pounds during the process. Frankly, I am pretty happy about the results, I feel I have more functional strength (suitcases, air conditioners and swimming) and aesthetic change too.
If traditional weight training, as you put it, doesn't cause an increase in muscle mass what does.
Also: I vote on the side of pull downs (and pull ups) engaging the core -- I feel it plenty in there.
Traditional training does not necessarily mean that you will increase muscle mass. You can easily train for strength at low reps (2 - 8) with 2 - 3 minutes per set (of course heavier loads) and not see an increase in mass.
Really???--
I have added heavy lifting once or twice a week to my regimen this year and I have had a marked (and satisfying) increase in muscle mass. Even at the age of 45 when you are supposed to have significantly less response, the difference is such that people from across the street comment on it. I am pretty sure its muscle, I actually lost 13 pounds during the process. Frankly, I am pretty happy about the results, I feel I have more functional strength (suitcases, air conditioners and swimming) and aesthetic change too.
If traditional weight training, as you put it, doesn't cause an increase in muscle mass what does.
Also: I vote on the side of pull downs (and pull ups) engaging the core -- I feel it plenty in there.
