Swimming for active recovery or core stability?

londonbfg32

Happy new year to all,

Wondered what consensus there is on whether swimming for 30 - 35 minutes at a low intensity (hr 130 -135, approx 70 - 72% of my hr max) would either aid recovery or core stability - I'm guessing no in both cases?

I train 5 days a week though am adding a core stability and stretching session as it's something I've always done haphazardly, went swimming with the missus over New Year and was pleasantly suprised about how much I enjoyed it and how many Brownie points you get for doing a sport with your other half - so if swiimming can make me a better cyclist it stays in the programme.

Mettan

londonbfg32 wrote:

so if swiimming can make me a better cyclist it stays in the programme.

I'm not sure Swimming per se would give you significant improvements in your cycling performance (mine doesn't) - but it can certainly complement cycling quite nicely and it'll give you a way into your first Sprint or Oly Tri. Well worth keeping up, as opposed to not doing any at all.

phreak

I wouldn't say it helps per se but it's surprising how many cyclists used to swim as a youngster. Armstrong is one for instance.

I used to compete as a youngster too and wouldn't say it really helps your legs much, but it does provide decent core strength and of course works your cardio system. I went training with the local club for the first time in around 2 years on Sunday and whilst my core and legs were fine, my arms suffered quite badly.

Do you ride to/from the pool?

graeme_s-2

It's a good sport to have in your repertoire, as if you ever pick up an injury that stops you cycling there's a good chance you'd be able to continue swimming, or resume swimming before you'd be able to cycle as it's so low impact.

Blonde

It wont help cycling particularly - unless you can't cycle for a period of time for some reason, in which case it will help keep you fit cardiovascularly until you return to cycling. Swimming will help strengthen your back and upper body though, which can often be neglected with cycling, so it's worth doing for that reason. Trying to swim a length underwater (if you can't already) will help increase your lung capacity and breathing efficiency as well.