overtrain by swimming and push ups?

Question

just wondering, im thinking about doing push ups and swim 4-5 days a week. do i have to let my muscles rest for 42/72 hours? and by doing that do you think i will gain muscles and tone my body?
or what would you recommand? i most targeted at my abs and chest.

Answer 1

You could also add handweights (jugs of water will do) to your pushup workout to work the muscles that the pushups won't help. For abdominals, crunches and situps are the best exercise.

What strokes do you swim? If you're looking to build core body strength, freestyle and butterfly are the best strokes to use. Keep track of your laps and you'll see your improvement: by the end of the summer, you should be getting more laps done in the same workout time.

Plan on one dryland workout day followed by a swimming workout day. Alternating the days would let the different muscle groups rest a bit.

Good luck!

Answer 2

If you're going from doing nothing to doing something, don't immediately jump into 4-5 days a week. Start with 3 days a week for 4 weeks and then add another day. In another two weeks add another day to make it 5. That way your body has time to adjust to the new routine and you don't shock your system.

The guy above me gives good workout tips as far as that part goes.