OK to work-out on a machine before practice?

[infinitx]

Hi,

I have an exercise machine (a really nice one ) and I also have an Olympic weight set and a bench.

During winter break, I have swimming practice for 3 hours each day. I also want to lift weights on some of those days but if I do my free weights workout, I cannot swim during practice. I feel exhausted.

So I was wondering if before swimming practice (2 hours before) it is OK that I workout on the machine because after a machine workout, I do not feel as tired as I do after a free weights workout and I am still able to swim. I go as heavy as possible on the machine, but if I go as heavy as possible with free weights, I cannot complete swimming practice!

What are your thoughts on this?


Thanks

[chicanerous]

If possible, lift free weights some time after practice. Right now swimming is your sport, not bodybuilding or weight-lifting, so it should be your priority.

I lift after practices and, while depending on the intensity of the practice, some of my lifts will suffer, I believe I'm getting a very good lift in. I concentrate on form, full muscle contraction, and tempo - using slower tempos than usual, holding contractions at the peak of the movement, and fully lengthening the muscle between reps

[infinitx]

Originally Posted by chicanerous

If possible, lift free weights some time after practice. Right now swimming is your sport, not bodybuilding or weight-lifting, so it should be your priority.

I lift after practices and, while depending on the intensity of the practice, some of my lifts will suffer, I believe I'm getting a very good lift in. I concentrate on form, full muscle contraction, and tempo - using slower tempos than usual, holding contractions at the peak of the movement, and fully lengthening the muscle between reps

Do you use lower weight than you would normally use, say during the off-season?