How To Get A Swimmers Physique?

Broad shoulders, the classic V-shape, defined abdominals, in proportion but muscular powerful arms and the overall appearance of having a toned sportsman-like physique. The "perfect" swimmers body will have a low bodypercentage of about 12% to show definition, but not into low single figures where every vein is showing like a long distance runner or cyclist.

The swimmers build is also a very different look to a body builder. It is the "high level of muscle tone with a lack of bulk" (defined by wisegeek.com) that women and gay men find universally attractive.

How much swimming do I need to do? It is up to you! Just swimming is not the most effective way of getting a swimmers body. It should be seen as a great cardiovascular exercise. However, swimming is not an effective way to add muscle. The resistance is too low to develop muscle for anyone above the early teenage years where testosterone levels shape their body. It will help tone your overall shape but it only uses your pull muscles so professional swimmers use weights for their push muscles otherwise their results plateau.

What is the fastest way to get a swimmers physique? If you want a swimmers body shape (rather than being a great swimmer), you should concentrate on weight training to get the "high level of muscle tone". This should be combined with interval training cardio exercise. Swimming is a great example, but you do not have to swim to get a swimmers body! You can use a rowing machine, run, or a combination, as long as you do interval training.

How long will it take? Results will be accelerated with the right nutrition. Do not try and copy professional swimmers who eat 5 to 6,000 calories a day. This is because they spend 4 to 6 hours a day in the pool and swimming is know to increase appetite. Work out your target daily calorie intake and then select nutritious muscle building foods with regular meals of lean proteins and complex carbohydrates.

Some people understand nutrition better than others. Everyone starts at different levels of fitness. Some can workout more often than others. There are many different factors involved so I cannot put a general timescale on how long it will take. However, using the advice in this article you will get there faster than just swimming regularly.

How do I make sure it is a swimmers physique and not just bulky? Using weights to build muscle and interval cardio training to reduce body fat is not a new idea. Personal trainers like me have been creating programs for clients for years. Advances in nutrition mean that we can get there faster than ever. But where "there" is needs to be a clear goal. This will get you an amazing body but to have a swimmers body it must be "with a lack of bulk". Measuring your progress and your proportions is the key. Do not fall into the trap of having massive arms and shoulders that look out of proportion to the rest of the body. Plan your workouts and nutrition with a clear goal in mind and you can achieve the classic swimmers physique.