restistance bands or free weights?

Submitted by hoppie1997 on Wed, 04/21/2010 - 18:58

Ask The Village Experts

I am a sprint flyer and a middle distance freestyler. In weight training I am wondering which I should use: restistance bands or free weights?

RE:

Submitted by robbellamy on Thu, 04/22/2010 - 10:56.

Generally speaking both resistance bands and free weights are important to use in your dryland/weight routine. Resistance bands and medicine balls can help develop your explosive speed, power, and muscular endurance that is obviously needed in swimming. Free weights will help provide greater strength that is harder to develop with resistance bands alone. Another benefit of the resistance band is that you can mimic your swimming stroke and provide resistance outside of the water to help gain specific strength.

I should also mention that there are many factors that need to come into play when developing your exercise programs. Things like age, sex, and experience can drastically change what you should be doing. I would suggest talking with your coach about this, and/or consult with a personal trainer to help with your goals.

Good luck!

A good reference

Submitted by The Athlete Village on Mon, 04/26/2010 - 09:27.

One of the Village Experts, Scott Riewald along with famed swim coach Dave Salo, wrote a book called Complete Conditioning for Swimming. This is an excellent reference for properly integrating conditioning work into your swim program.

I came here to say this

Submitted by Free-Thinker on Thu, 04/22/2010 - 11:18.

"I would suggest talking with your coach about this, and/or consult with a personal trainer to help with your goals." Seconded.