Any swimmers? I need advice please.

KYT1121
KYT1121 Posts: 58 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hello,

I am planning to incorporate swimming into my exercise routine. I don't know the last time I was in the pool and actually went swimming. I've had lessons when I was younger so I know the basics. Should I just JUMP IN AND SWIM or take lessons/find a coach to make sure my form is good? I'm leaning toward just jumping in and starting (maybe start with kickboard laps) and go from there.

Replies

  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    If you have access to a coach (even for just a session or two) it can make a world of difference. Good stroke mechanics are everything. (If you have a hard time finding a coach check to see if there's a triathlon club close to where you live - they should be able to point you in the right direction)
  • bauertime
    bauertime Posts: 1 Member
    I swim about 1.5 miles straight every MWF morning at my local YMCA. Sounds like a lot of work but I really enjoy it. It is quiet, alone time to just get in a good work out. Best part is, I just started in Feburary and I'm already built up to pretty good endurance. This program helped me immensely:

    http://ruthkazez.com/SwimWorkouts/ZeroTo1mile.html

    My experience with swimming before starting this program was a few times a year half drunk in a friends pool. Give it a shot, I loved it.
  • norafoster1
    norafoster1 Posts: 2
    If you you don't have a good swimming stroke then you are going to get worn out quickly and not really get much of a workout. I like your thoughts on starting with a kick-board. If you have access to a coach, it's worth the time and investment.
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    If you have access to a coach (even for just a session or two) it can make a world of difference. Good stroke mechanics are everything. (If you have a hard time finding a coach check to see if there's a triathlon club close to where you live - they should be able to point you in the right direction)

    This. BUT. Don't let it stop you from getting water time in, there is still a lot you can do without working with a coach. Review a ton on Youtube, and emulate. Then try to get a coach while working up to distances.

    You could start slow like 2x50 warmup
    then a few 25 yard drills
    a 50 yard swim
    a few 25 yard drills
    and a 2x50 cooldown
  • Kevintron2
    Kevintron2 Posts: 101 Member
    When I was young I was on both the swim team and diving team. I earned my junior, then senior, then advance life saving certs. I life guarded and then I managed the base swimming pool while in the Air Force. I love the water, been around it all my life. I currently swim 30-laps (.83 miles) every weekday morning as a part of my exercise regimen. I agree with everyone's reply here but the main thing is to go ahead and JUST JUMP IN. :smile:
  • KathryneJY
    KathryneJY Posts: 83 Member
    Check out the programs at your local pool. I have been a swimmer all my life, but hadn't swam for fitness for a long time. I'm a scuba diver, so I wanted to improve my endurance so I could extend my bottom times.

    Anyway, I started to get in the water and do my laps, and was exhausted after just a few. I couldn't breathe properly, and I hated it. My pool offered an adult class called Moderate Training Swimfit, 10 - 25 minute lessons twice a week for five weeks. It cost me $50. This was in April. Now I am swimming three times a week, with two workouts being 1000 meters (1/2 hour), and my Sunday morning workout at 2000 meters (1 hour). I'm tired after this, but I am not exhausted after 2 laps like I used to be. I focused on improving my stroke (front and back crawl) and practiced swim drills. It's a big part of my exercise regimen. I love it now, and it's a great workout. I also started going to aquafit classes at the same pool twice a week, and that has also helped with swimming. But really, if you just want to get in the pool, do it! You'll know if you need help.
  • Kevintron2
    Kevintron2 Posts: 101 Member
    Anyway, I started to get in the water and do my laps, and was exhausted after just a few. I couldn't breathe properly, and I hated it.

    ^^^^ Breathing is key... :)
  • KathryneJY
    KathryneJY Posts: 83 Member
    Anyway, I started to get in the water and do my laps, and was exhausted after just a few. I couldn't breathe properly, and I hated it.

    ^^^^ Breathing is key... :)

    It certainly is!
  • KYT1121
    KYT1121 Posts: 58 Member
    Thank you all!!! If the weather permits I'm going to test the waters tomorrow. Monday for sure.
  • beckaroo7
    beckaroo7 Posts: 1
    I went swimming for a while last summer. At first I was a mess who was constantly out of breath, inhaling water and taking breaks. But after 4/5 hour long sessions, it got much much easier. So if it goes badly the first time, stick it out, I found it well worth it.

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