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?
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Former Member
"So rather than saying something specific and wrong, you're saying something vague enough that everyone can agree on it, provided we each bring our own definition of "training in the same manner?"
Your right, I should have been more clear. An example of "training in the same manner" is training the hamstrings to extend the hip, like we see in the pool. Instead of doing hamstring curls (which teaches the hamstring to flex the knee) do and RDL or bridge that teaches it to extend the hip. Train the core to rotate and stabilize instead of just doing crunches. Nothing against crunches, I do them and so do my athletes - we are just adding more to the exercise menu - not taking away.
"When did I say I love lat pulldowns? Also, if you think they don't involve "core musculature", I think you're wrong. Pulldowns are pretty tough on the abs, and obliques as well if you do them one-armed. "
Sure, they involve the core to some extent but the point is when performing the pulldown the machine supports you as opposed to the deeper muscles of the core that stabilize the spine (transverse abdominus, multifidi). Either way I USE THE LAT PULLDOWN and don't think its bad - we just have to add more to the program that to address all needs.
"Yeah! Lat pulldowns are bad. Lat pulldowns are irresponsible. Lat pulldowns told Lee Harvey Oswald to do it. "
Now that is your best post - very good.
My whole point is that traditional training is good and so is a more functional approach. The key is to integrate the best of everything and to encourage people to try more than just your traditional exercises in the gym.
"So rather than saying something specific and wrong, you're saying something vague enough that everyone can agree on it, provided we each bring our own definition of "training in the same manner?"
Your right, I should have been more clear. An example of "training in the same manner" is training the hamstrings to extend the hip, like we see in the pool. Instead of doing hamstring curls (which teaches the hamstring to flex the knee) do and RDL or bridge that teaches it to extend the hip. Train the core to rotate and stabilize instead of just doing crunches. Nothing against crunches, I do them and so do my athletes - we are just adding more to the exercise menu - not taking away.
"When did I say I love lat pulldowns? Also, if you think they don't involve "core musculature", I think you're wrong. Pulldowns are pretty tough on the abs, and obliques as well if you do them one-armed. "
Sure, they involve the core to some extent but the point is when performing the pulldown the machine supports you as opposed to the deeper muscles of the core that stabilize the spine (transverse abdominus, multifidi). Either way I USE THE LAT PULLDOWN and don't think its bad - we just have to add more to the program that to address all needs.
"Yeah! Lat pulldowns are bad. Lat pulldowns are irresponsible. Lat pulldowns told Lee Harvey Oswald to do it. "
Now that is your best post - very good.
My whole point is that traditional training is good and so is a more functional approach. The key is to integrate the best of everything and to encourage people to try more than just your traditional exercises in the gym.
