Does swimming help build muscle?

[CRISO]

I have recently started swimming (just breaststroke at the moment) and was wondering if this helped build muscle particularly the pectorals as this is where I struggle most with? Also would it help tone my abs as well as the football training I do twice a week? I weight train about 3/4 times a week and want to maintain and develop muscle mass as well as getting fit for the football season.

Thanks in advance.

Chris

Hi Chris, if you was a non trainer i would say yes as its a form of exercise with resistance, But if yr hitting the gym i doubt if swimming will make more muscle mass.
It will tone you up with the correct diet and the abs will follow.
Whats the issue on pecs ?

[CRISO]

Thanks for the reply bodyshop20. The issue with my pecs is something I have posted about a few times on this forum. I just can't seem to build any kind of mass there. It's always been the case with me I've had a bony chest and it really doesn't help my self-confidence. I have tried so many different training techniques and high protein/high carb diets and absolutely nothing has worked. It's just depressing to be honest.

Genetics play a big part in the muscle distribution and proportion of muscles, could you tell me how and what ways you have hit the pec, reps and set etc and exercises as i might be able to point you in the correct direction

[CRISO]

I have tried different exercises for chest. My latest routine is pretty much

Dumbbell chest press - 20kg x12, 22.5kg x10, 25kg x8, 27.5kg x6
Machine bench press - 20kg x12, 40kg x10, 45kg x8, 40kg x6, 30kg x6, 20kg x8

(These are rough estimates of reps with each weight)

Series of press ups as many as I can. Usually finish off with dips by which time I pretty much have nothing left to give. I sometimes do dumbell flys and/or machine flys as well.

Ok first off there are to many sets and reps.
Alot of the time we think more is better, but i have learned less is more.
My chest routine was like 2x8 decline fly
2x8 incline fly
2x8 Flat bench super setted with flat fly
2x25 press ups
This was over training and i stagnated, now im using 1 light set flat fly 20 reps just to warm up.
Then a medium set of 12 reps but slow reps as in 2 seconds to lift (dont lock out) hold for 2 seconds just below lockout then 2 seconds down so each rep takes 6 seconds.
now 1 set to failure with heavy as poss and fail before 6 reps or yr to light.
Use same slow reps.
Now 1 set only of flat bench, again heavy as poss and use the 6seconds rep system to failure at 4-6 reps
Thats it 15 mins chest is done and this will blow yr pecs to bits if you do it correct.
This is a Mike Mentzer system, google him and see how big his chest got.
My chest is growing again now so i know it works
Good luck Chris and keep me informed

[CRISO]

Originally Posted by bodyshop20

Ok first off there are to many sets and reps.
Alot of the time we think more is better, but i have learned less is more.
My chest routine was like 2x8 decline fly
2x8 incline fly
2x8 Flat bench super setted with flat fly
2x25 press ups
This was over training and i stagnated, now im using 1 light set flat fly 20 reps just to warm up.
Then a medium set of 12 reps but slow reps as in 2 seconds to lift (dont lock out) hold for 2 seconds just below lockout then 2 seconds down so each rep takes 6 seconds.
now 1 set to failure with heavy as poss and fail before 6 reps or yr to light.
Use same slow reps.
Now 1 set only of flat bench, again heavy as poss and use the 6seconds rep system to failure at 4-6 reps
Thats it 15 mins chest is done and this will blow yr pecs to bits if you do it correct.
This is a Mike Mentzer system, google him and see how big his chest got.
My chest is growing again now so i know it works
Good luck Chris and keep me informed

Thanks for the advice. I will give this a go and let you know how I'm getting on.

Ho also the rest between sets is no more than 10 seconds, thats correct 10 seconds.
Your be suprised how fast the muscle recovers, its long before the mind is ready

[Keton]

I like swimming best cardio exercise as it involves most of the body parts while swimming and has many benefits. It build your hips, shoulders, arms and back muscles. It improves your acrobatic capacity and blood circulation.