Questions about Strength Training

mom2enlp
mom2enlp Posts: 38 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Question: Do chin-ups, pull-ups and leg lifts count for strength training if they are done in the water?

I did three sets of 20 of each of these in the pool yesterday, and I controlled the movements start-to-finish as I have been taught to do. My muscles were definitely working because I felt that good-workout kind of ache afterwards. And oh wow, did I ever feel it when I woke up this morning! But do they count for strength training since my buoyancy in the water gave me the ability to do them in the first place?

Thanks!

Replies

  • rjmwx81
    rjmwx81 Posts: 259 Member
    Not really. It's more like intense cardio. Yes, the water gives *some* resistance which can aid in muscle tone, but it's not the same as lifting weights.
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    I think it does count. Your muscles are a little sore today ... that's a good thing. We all have to start somewhere ... just keep on challenging yourself.
  • Jaycee1979
    Jaycee1979 Posts: 1
    Strenght training by definition would be any exercise designed to increase strength. Water exercises are great for beginners and/or people with joint problems or injuries. You wont see the same results as someone who lifts weights but if you're sore afterwards that means your muscles. Mission accomplished! and it sure beats just sitting on the couch :smile:
  • mustgetmuscles1
    mustgetmuscles1 Posts: 3,346 Member
    20 reps is more of an endurance training than strength but yes body weight or assisted pull ups can increase strength. BUT "strength" training must continue to increase the weight to continue to gain strength. Once you are able to do your own body weight for around 10 reps you pretty much need to find some other form of resistance.
  • Jynus
    Jynus Posts: 519 Member
    No thats not strength training. Thats endurance training/cardio.

    Strength training is when you reach failure in 8reps or less. Or to use a time equvilient, when you hit a wall of failure in under 30 seconds.

    Basically anything that uses your bodies ATp-Cp energy system to produce maximal force to your bodies fast twitch muscle fibers.

    what you're describing is lactic acid/cardio energy systems to power slow twitch fibers. and while you will get 'stronger' doing it, it still is not 'strength training'.
  • mom2enlp
    mom2enlp Posts: 38 Member
    Will it still help me tone though?
  • mustgetmuscles1
    mustgetmuscles1 Posts: 3,346 Member
    Will it still help me tone though?

    It depends on what you mean by "tone". I assume you mean making your muscles show more. That is purely a function of loosing body fat. So yes it will help you burn calories and if you are controlling how much you eat you will loose body fat. If you are trying to grow muscles then no it will not be very effective.

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