swimming workout

tnpxx

So now that summer is here and my college's outdoor pool is open, I want to incorporate swimming into my workout a few times a week. I'm a little nervous about doing that though because I've never had any formal training in swimming (I mean, I know how to swim in general, just nothing fancy). What would y'all suggest to try and make it part of my weekly routine once or twice a week?

Thanks in advance!

allaboutthecake

Not really much help here....am more of a power lounger when it comes to the pool. But just want to support your swimming! I think if it were me, I would do as many laps as you can, even if it seems like your swimming dorky, you know what I mean? The point would be to keep moving.

(eta: wear sunscreen )

LKArgh

I started swimming as exercise about 2 months ago. I also never had swimming lessons but I always thought I could swim pretty well in general. I started with this: https://speedo.com.au/speedo-fit/swim-programs/starter25
After the first few weeks of mainly working on breathing and technique, I am already seeing a lot of improvement regarding the distance I can cover in my 30 minutes workout. The program starts with 350 meters and especially coordinating my breathing was not easy at all at first, but 7 weeks later I reached today 700 meters without feeling like I am about to drown

nuffer

The Zero-to-1650 workout helped me get to my goal of swimming a mile in six weeks. I really began at the pool doing as many laps as I could for a couple of weeks before I started the workout. I pushed it a little to doing a statue mile. I had not done laps in over 30 years so not much left in the way of technique, but fairly comfortable in the water. That makes a big difference with learning to breathe.

And yes, sunscreen on backs of legs/arms/neck is a good idea -- I'm amazed how much sun one gets while face down in the pool!

ipastorsally

I like to swim too. But I don't have the stamina. I try to do a 500, that is 10 laps. I mix my strokes. I stretch first and then do 3 laps of easy strokes (side, back glide, breast stroke), then I add harder ones in (crawl, back stroke, life guard stroke), if tired I do some easy strokes. Of course I lose count of laps, so I watch the clock to time myself. And I always end with 3 laps of easy strokes to cool down and stretch afterwards. I often tighten up a few hours later, so I stretch out with witf's Priscilla (yoga on dvr).

Time yourself and celebrate any added minutes. If your feet cramp, roll a tennis ball slowly under your foot to flex the bones and muscles. And swim slow strokes a with long glides between them to rest. It will help you swim further.

Have fun!

Cronniss

A number of colleges have some type of aquatic exercise class. Maybe you could enroll for it? Or maybe even for just the general swimming P.E. class. Then you'll learn all the different strokes.