So let me start off by saying that for the past few years I've incorporated weight training during the winter months. I have done the traditional Friel plan a couple of years and last year I tried a more overall body/core plan focused on building functional strength. I would say that last year's workouts where I used a balance ball and incorporated my core was way better than the traditional weight approach.
But even still, the only benefit I felt was from the core/upper-body exercises. I definitely felt much stronger through my back and my ability to support myself on the bike was great. But I've never really felt there has been a benefit to the lower body exercises. Let me also say that I already have a fair amount of muscle mass in my lower body.
So what I'm wondering is if this year I would be just as well off swimming instead of doing upper body exercises. I'll still do a bit of core work after the swim, but it seems that 40 minutes of continually stressing my upper body is way better than a bunch of 60 second sets. Plus the added benefit of getting a bit more cardio in.
thoughts???