Getting Stronger Out of the Pool

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Join the Discussion "What kind of dryland routines do you use, and why? Do you think it has helped make you or your team faster? Longer events? Both? Or is it a waste of time that could be better spent in the pool?" Swimming Guide

This is the third and final phase of a basic plan designed to increase muscle strength. It can be more refined based on a particular need or a season plan. It may need to be modified based on what equipment you have available. You will use the routine two times each week. The first few sessions establish starting points for the rest of the season. The final phase is for the last four to five weeks before your biggest competition; you should stop lifting weights 10 days before the first day of the competition. To make gains, you are breaking down your muscles, then letting them rebuild. To give them the time to rebuild, do not lift two days in a row. To help prevent injury, do not "lift to failure"; always end feeling like you could do a few more.

Warm up before you begin any of the routines. Spend 10 to 20 minutes building your heart rate to increase blood flow, body temperature, and general range of motion; I recommend placing your general stretching routine after completing the entire routine, although you could do a short stretch for the muscle groups just used during the recovery period between each exercise. Some warm-up ideas include stationary bicycling, jogging, rowing, or jumping rope.

Keeping a log book is vital. Record the date and time, the phase, lifts completed (including number of sets and repetitions), amount of weight used for each lift, and any other comments for the day, such as general feelings about the workout. You will use this information throughout the program to keep track of your progress.

The exercises used in this program are listed below:

• Squats
• Leg Press
• Leg Extension
• Leg Curl
• Lat Pull-down
• Seated Rowing
• Bent-over Rowing
• Lateral Raise
• Shoulder Press
• Bench Press
• Dumbbell Curl
• Push-ups
• Abdominal Work
• Assorted Stretches

This workout program uses three phase:

Phase A - 2 to 3 Sessions per Week, 3 to 4 weeks

Phase B - 2 to 3 Sessions per Week, 4 to 12 Weeks

Phase C - 2 Sessions per Week, 2 to 4 weeks
This phase is for the last three to four weeks before your biggest competition, and you should stop the routine 7 - 14 days before the first day of the competition. You are going to maintain most of your strength gains, build more muscular power, and begin to reduce the stress to your muscles so they are fully recovered by your big event. You will not increase the weight load during this phase, but will add one set each week, starting with three sets the first week.

Remember to start light and gradually increase the weights; slow progress is the key to good strength gains without injury! Keep that log book, hit the gym, and watch yourself get faster in the pool.

Swim On!

Mat
Remember - train smart.
Before beginning any fitness work, you must be in good health and that may include getting your physician's approval.

Page 1 Introduction to a Weight Training Program for Swimmers

Page 2 Phase A of a Weight Training Program for Swimmers

Page 3 Phase B of a Weight Training Program for Swimmers

Page 4 Phase C of a Weight Training Program for Swimmers

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