How can I train to make myself a better swimmer?

Question

my short term goals are just to cut down my times

my long term goals (1-2 yrs) are to make CIF and varsity

im considering running & weightlifting

right now I swim 1 or 2 hours a day, 6 days a week. its about 10 hrs/wk

Answer 1

do wat i call the dual arm drill im 15 and ive done this for 14 years

backstroke on 1 arm 3 times than with the other arm 3 times the both arms same times 3 times i help ur arms circultae faster

Answer 2

Focus more on your technique instead of being distracted into running which uses different breathing rhythm and muscles--that would negatively affect your swimming efficiency.

I would recommended you use elastic bands to improve your arm muscles, instead of relying heavily on heavy weights. Some gym work to develop specific muscle groups, including rowing,and chin-ups  would help though.

Dont forget to drink sufficient water, a healthy diet and adequate rest--lots of discipline required. By enhancing the accuracy of your strokes and strength, you should be improving times every few months.  Best of luck!!

Answer 3

Weight lifting will help a lot, but you have to stay committed to it and do it about 4 days a week for an hour at least, and you can't be lazy while your at the gym either. Make sure you stretch good before you work out, and go for more reps with lighter weight to build lean strong muscle. Focus on your shoulders by doing front laterals, side laterals and back laterals, along with shoulder presses. Work out you core abdomen muscles and go for a 6 pack. Work your triceps and upper back muscles as well. These are you main muscles for swimming, but swimming is also a total body workout. Building these muscles will help a lot though if you really work at it. Remeber go for longer sets of reps with less time in between to build up your stamina. Good luck and all the effort will be worth it as swimming is a sport you will always be greatfull you stuck with through high school and even college for the rest of your life. You never lose the techniques, just your stamina. lol

Answer 4

technique and make the most out of practice and  private lessons 2,3 times a week with ur coach stretching running will help build leg muscles i dont really reccomend the weight lifting cuz u need strong shoulders not as much upper arm (bicep,triceps). wen out the pool do kicking exercizes in da bed streamline and walk with you back straight

Answer 5

Swimming is not as much about muscle power as it is about water efficiency.  You want to learn to cut down on drag as much as possible and cut through the water with the minimum resistance.  In otherwords, concentrate on technique and not on strength.