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
Your comment brings up a great point. If we waited for science to prove training methods we would be 20 years behind the curve. The bottom line is that for every research study that proves something we have another one that contradicts it. Well, in the case of weights, you won't find many contradictions. Science has been fairly consistent in questioning its direct benefits on endurance sports performance.
As far as I am concerned, I explain this fact by the inability to design significant protocols. Science has, over time, missed the target in evaluating training means in general.
Weights are worth giving a 'try and see'. Do not wait for science, make your own evidence, it ain't that difficult.
Your comment brings up a great point. If we waited for science to prove training methods we would be 20 years behind the curve. The bottom line is that for every research study that proves something we have another one that contradicts it. Well, in the case of weights, you won't find many contradictions. Science has been fairly consistent in questioning its direct benefits on endurance sports performance.
As far as I am concerned, I explain this fact by the inability to design significant protocols. Science has, over time, missed the target in evaluating training means in general.
Weights are worth giving a 'try and see'. Do not wait for science, make your own evidence, it ain't that difficult.
