Hi Art. While I'm not a swimmer myself, I would think running and/or walking would be a good match from a cross-training perspective. Similar to cycling, swimming is very low impact, so it's good to work in a higher-impact activity, especially for bone density.
I didn't talk about strength training in this article, but it strikes me as important for swimmers, particularly exercises targeting the lower body.
Great suggestions, especially around swimming being low impact and how to balance this out with higher impact/loading exercises.
@Art Vallette
Besides potentially you not liking gym exercises (understandable) or simply not having the logistics to implement it at this time, why does it appear to me as if you rather avoid strength training?
The benefits are massive, not just for your swimming. But if you want the ultimate benefit, then just think about your shoulder joints that would greatly improve in strength, flexibility and especially longevity. As much as lower body might generally appear to be the more "logical" exercise (for overall health and wellbeing), the specific benefits for your shoulder girdle are often forgotten.
Otherwise:
As an ex-swimmer (50/100m breast stroke represent!), I will recommend some unconventional activity (pretty much anything that does include some sort of non-swimming rotations and core work) -> e.g. dancing or rock climbing/bouldering.
I just wish I could run! Never have. Best I do is a brisk walk on non cycling days. I am too scared to ride on the road as hubby does. It’s bike paths all the way but they are becoming too crowded. So back to my Peloton. But I get the importance of cross training for all sorts of reasons.
What would you consider a good cross-training for masters swimmers, other than strength training?
Hi Art. While I'm not a swimmer myself, I would think running and/or walking would be a good match from a cross-training perspective. Similar to cycling, swimming is very low impact, so it's good to work in a higher-impact activity, especially for bone density.
I didn't talk about strength training in this article, but it strikes me as important for swimmers, particularly exercises targeting the lower body.
Great suggestions, especially around swimming being low impact and how to balance this out with higher impact/loading exercises.
@Art Vallette
Besides potentially you not liking gym exercises (understandable) or simply not having the logistics to implement it at this time, why does it appear to me as if you rather avoid strength training?
The benefits are massive, not just for your swimming. But if you want the ultimate benefit, then just think about your shoulder joints that would greatly improve in strength, flexibility and especially longevity. As much as lower body might generally appear to be the more "logical" exercise (for overall health and wellbeing), the specific benefits for your shoulder girdle are often forgotten.
Otherwise:
As an ex-swimmer (50/100m breast stroke represent!), I will recommend some unconventional activity (pretty much anything that does include some sort of non-swimming rotations and core work) -> e.g. dancing or rock climbing/bouldering.
I just wish I could run! Never have. Best I do is a brisk walk on non cycling days. I am too scared to ride on the road as hubby does. It’s bike paths all the way but they are becoming too crowded. So back to my Peloton. But I get the importance of cross training for all sorts of reasons.
Walking is a great pairing with cycling, too! Since it is higher-impact it's also good for bone density.
I occasionally ride my bike on the trails, too, but yeah...they get clogged with walkers and runners (who are all wearing headphones 🤣).
I love the variety that cross-training provides!! 💪🏽
That's awesome, Laurie. What activities do you do for your cross-training?