Swimming vs. Weight Training (Read 6465 times)

Hello all: I run about 30 miles per week and 5 days a week. On the other two days, I swim 1.5-2km each. Lately I have been getting a lot of comments that I have become too skinny etc etc (and I started running because I was 25 pounds over weight ) Does swimming workout the upper body enough to create "some" bulk or do I necessarily have to do weights? Honestly I find lifting quite boring. I did it for a couple of years during my last fitness craze but never really looked forward to it. Thanks for the advise, ab

We're of pretty similiar stature 6' +" 160 - 165lbs and I get the skinny comments all the time.......except at the pool. Then I hear comments like Ripped ! I've been swimming for about 4 years. In the last two years my goal has been 8000 - 9000 yds/week (3 - 4 sessions) After a couple of months of this I really noticed the bulk and definition in my shoulders and lats. If you do flip turns you can work your abs and if you do kick board drills you can hit your glutes. I believe if it's your desire to add bulk then a weight training routine combined with diet is going to be necessary. Several years ago I hit the weights hard and added about 10 lbs......Problem was maintaining it......I would lose it fast. So I've come to the conclusion I would rather look better naked with defined abs than in a tight shirt with a thick neck and bulging biceps.

I don't know. For me.....in my short period of body building.....running or any other form of cardio work was counter productive. I was drinking the weight gainer shakes that are like 1800 calories per serving. Combine that with all the other junk and it cost you a small fortune too. Then again, late 30's is a little late in the game to "bulk up".

Does swimming workout the upper body enough to create "some" bulk or do I necessarily have to do weights? Honestly I find lifting quite boring. I did it for a couple of years during my last fitness craze but never really looked forward to it. As a former competitive swimmer and now triathlete, I would say so much depends on your genetics. I know life long seriously good swimmers that still carry around extra pounds! I also know swimmers that swim only several times a week but are ripped! But I think if you are looking to "bulk up" a bit, weights would be the way to go opposed to swimming...plus probably some extra supplements (protein powder etc) . I also agree with protoplasm72 in that people are probably not used to seeing you 25 pounds lighter!

Sounds like the perfect time to join the hundred pushup challenge. http://www.runningahead.com/groups/pushup/

Aybee, grab a snickers and head to the gym & do some pushps, pullups and dips as suggested. But do not join the 100 PU challenge. It is endless and you, as many others, will quickly lose interest and quit. Proto shamelessly promotes the site to make himself feel better. Other than AzBird (sorry), you are all physical freaks (that's not a bad thing) who can run like the wind, but not naturally gain weight/bulk, like the rest of us who at times struggle. Although, I am my own worst ememy with beer & Chez-It. Only insurance companies and eachother think you look fine. I can't believe other pork chops (like myself) haven't commented. 6'1' 160lbs is on the slim side in our fast food society, just like 5'7' 135lbs. I was told I looked to light at 159 lbs, after dropping 24 lbs last year (since gained 10 back). Still, that was 24 lbs more than Jeff, and I wouldn't have wanted to lose more than 4lbs much less another 20 to get to his weight. At that point I was close with both my weight and definition. Although I don't workout specifically to get big. AzBird, it can be done and I think you already know how (lose the snickers) run, watch what you eat, and weight train, easy BTW Aybee, RA isn't only about running. If it was, half the people wouldn't bother to log on. Look around, there is a lot of people doing amazing things here, including running.

Trigirl nailed it. Genetics determine your ability to pack on muscle. Generally, though endurance type activity is not conducive to muscle bulk. If you are swim sprinter, you may have a greater liklihood of of putting on more muscle. I find though that serious swimmers (and most heavy training endurance athletes) are putting in so much time that it is very difficult to eat enough. If you don't eat enough, you won't be putting on extra muscle.

Thanks for all the comments. Many articles promote the importance of weight training for overall well-being (long-term strength, bone density etc.) If I am not particularly interested in "bulking up", will the resistance training provided by swimming offer the same benefits? I am just looking to develop a fitness plan for the long run which isn't too difficult for me to adhere to. For me that means staying outdoors and avoiding the machines at the gym.