swimming 4 muscle

[lols]

hi girls!!

havent been here for ages...but wanted to know your thoughts on building muscle via swimming. Ive been suffering from neck and back complecations and really want to strengthen my lower back and shoulders (especially since ive got hypermobile joints). Will I get similar benefits as I would from a full body workout at the gym?

 

[gingernuts]

I have done a lot of swimming in my time and find it is a good all rounder for developing flexibility, aerobic capacity, co-ordination and some strength.

I was originally trained as a swimmer before I got involved in my other fitness exploits and would say technique is everything for swimming. Get it checked out so you can get the most from your time in the pool.

 

[Sassy69]

I would agree - swimming is a great type of limited resistance and non-impact training. It obviously does something because swimmers have those great upper bodies. As with any injuries though, definitely get some opinions on what exactly to do in the pool. Swimming is a great cardio & all-around conditioning passtime though. I used it religiously my first year away in college to drop some weight and also keep my sanity via this great stress outlet.

 

[lols]

so its possible to gain some muscle? are 30min sessions (if dont w correct technique) effiecient enough?
Thx

 

[Tri Girl]

I don't know what kind of results you're looking for, but swimming will certainly help develop your upper body. If you're looking to build muscle, maybe you want to focus less on swimming for cardio benefits and more on using accessories to make the swimming harder... things like hand and feet fins, drag belts, pull buoys, et cetera.

About technique: the better your technique the less you're actually working to pull yourself through the water.

I'd say anything you're doing to keep fit and be active is good.

 

[lols]

ye looking to build shoulder muscles..without looking chunky...guess thats just diet