Lap Swimming

[Longhorn85]

This is one of my favorite ways to get cardio, but it's hard to work it in to a routine if you like to lift. It's hard to swim laps a day after a good weight training session, and I usually still feel tired the day after swimming so I don't lift on those days.

Result: I usually get in a good swim about once a week, usually on the weekend. I see some good swimmers going non-stop with flip turns for an hour but for me 25-30 min is about right and I need to catch my breath about every few laps.

Great workout though! Does anyone else here work it in with weight training? How so?

 

[FFQuads]

I used to swim four times a week (50 mins.) and weights five times a week. Some of the best cardio I've every done! I would swim first thing in the morning then eat meal 1....then to the gym that afternoon. Worked great. You got to keep those carbs high cuz all that swimming burns you up. I wish I had a pool close. I would be there!!! It hits muscles you never thought you had!

 

[Longhorn85]

Wow you swam and lifted on the same day? Very studly. I have access to a great pool and I love it but it wears me out.

Like I said I only go for 30 min but it is intense.

Were you a competitive swimmer?

 

[Dial_tone]

I will probably start this winter since I have designs on doing a triathlon.

 

[FFQuads]

Wow you swam and lifted on the same day? Very studly. I have access to a great pool and I love it but it wears me out.

Like I said I only go for 30 min but it is intense.

Were you a competitive swimmer?

Long story short........yes.

Keep lot's of good foods in you and it will help.

 

[Longhorn85]

I will probably start this winter since I have designs on doing a triathlon.

You da man, I know you have been doing a lot of cycling. That is a goal of mine too. My wife swam competitively when in high school and her skills really help. She has done some short tris and she still has a lot of gas when she comes out of the water.

Plus swimming in a lake vs a pool is challenging because its non-stop. No flip-turns to give you a regular extra boost.

 

[Longhorn85]

Long story short........yes.

Keep lot's of good foods in you and it will help.

When you would swim 50 min a day would you just do freestyle or would you do different strokes?

To mix it up I usually do some free, some breast and use the kickboard, buoy and flippers for a few laps each.

 

[FFQuads]

Freestyle only. This is the fastest. When I was 165 lbs. and doing this I would train 45-50 min. in pool and get out....run 7 miles in 42 minutes. I sure would like to get back to that!!

 

[Longhorn85]

No shit! I got 30 minutes in today. Felt great but after that it was straight to the sauna. I was smoked.

 

[Euphoric]

beleive it or not you will get somewhat used to the swimming after weight training. not to mention it typically feels really nice. concentrate on technique and getting a good stretch with your strokes(Esepcially on warm up) youll feel great.

try to get out at least 3 times a week to really have it make a difference in your training.

 

[Gymgurl]

I prefer it on the days I lift in the off season.....

 

[Synpax]

If you swim in the AM and lift in the PM you should be fine.

If you think swimming after lifting is hard - even harder is lifting after swimming. I do a masters group (90 mins) 3x a week. I also start my mornings with pullups and pushups.

One time I tried the push/pulls after getting back from swimming. I couldn't crank out nearly as many.

 

[billfred]

There is no better pump than lifting after you have swam. Just don't expect to lift much.