I'm getting back into swimming after 20+ years, and it feels great. At first it was just for fitness and a love of water, but I quickly caught that competitive bug and now I want to swim fast, not just swim. I've been doing 1 hour workouts 4-5 times per week (not really counting distance yet since I'm working on building my endurance and perfecting my strokes right now; I'd say it's in the range of 2000 yds, give or take). That's really about all I have time for, so I try to give everything I've got in the water to improve my strength. How much am I losing by not working in some weight training? Any suggestions for incorporating some strength work as part of my swim work?
Be very careful with weights. I overdid it and pinched a nerve in my neck. It knocked me out of the pool for six months. Then, with re-hab, I was able to get back in the pool, slowly. Overall, a year to recover. Be very careful with weights.
When in college, my coach only had us start weights after we were in good shape in the pool. For us old folks, getting in shape for weights may take years before we can handle them without getting hurt by starting too soon.
weight/resistance/functional training, whatever you want to call it can absolutely help your swimming and overall athleticism. i've worked with a group of master swimmers for over 2 years and they continually are getting stronger out of the water each year and their times are continuing to drop each year.....even had a few national titles in there. the main thing is that you are doing it correctly and at the right pace and increasing volume appropriately. let me know if you have more questions
