Quote:
Originally Posted by Associate
But doesn't swimming incorporate resistance? couldn't it be thought of as a form of weight or resistance training? Unlike running, etc. I know that since I started swimming I definitely gained muscle tone in my upper body, including pecs and triceps.
My problem with heavy lifting is that it tends to bulk up my upper body, which I do not want and is not exactly conducive to bespoke tailoring. I do believe that of all professional athletes, swimmers have the best phisiques (though I'm sure they incorporate some sort of weight lifting in their training).
A lot of people I know that are a bit overweight have this misconception that they'll grow muscle and get big overnight. That's simply not going to happen, especially if you're eating at a deficit (I'm assuming you're going to diet a little or eat healthier at least). In fact, it's probable that you're going to lose muscle.
Basically, let's say you lose 10lb without lifting heavy weights. Let's say 5 of those lb is fat and 5 of it is muscle. Now let's say you lose 10lb with heavy lifting. And let's say that 9 lb is fat loss and only 1lb is muscle loss. The outcome: The one who lifted weights will have a much better looking body (smaller waist, bigger arms, more definition everywhere) because he lost more fat yet retained his muscle.
Additionally, weight lifting burns a helluva amount of calories by speeding your metabolism.
Bottom line is that incorporating heavy weight lifting is the fastest and best way for you to change your body. You're also not going to grow muscle overnight to address that concern of yours. Especially if you diet, it's going to be pretty damn impossible to gain muscle. (If you do gain a bit of muscle at first, it's due to "newbie gains" and should subside)
Yep, swimmers and all athletes lift weights. All the track runners and swimmers I've known have incorporated a weight training regimen that includes heavy squats and pressing.
