I want to swim but.....

stephaniezoundi

When I started working out over a year ago I did a fair bit of swimming. Its something i have always done and I do love to swim. I have no fear of people looking at me (I figure I am trying to do something about it and if they don't realise that, well then screw them!)
Here is my problem: I love being down in the gym and seeing the sweat pouring off me and my workout kit getting big sweat marks. It motivates me and shows me how hard I've worked....no matter how gross it is LOL!
When I swim I don't get that same feeling...but I miss swimming :ohwell: Swimming would also give my creaky old joints a chance to rest but I just end up feeling like I haven't exercised. What to do?? :huh:

puddyone

You obviously enjoy swimming so do it.... Just think of the water dripping off you when you get out as a "pool of sweat" LOL.

fitterpam

LOL That's exactly why I love swimming and aquafit as exercise. I have a real aversion to the drippy feeling of sweat. I really feel the muscles burn in the pool so I know I'm working out without the drippy feeling AND I never hurt the next day from exercise (another excuse to stop).

I don't know what to suggest other than to swim for pleasure, not exercise. It's a mental mind shift that you have to make to see it as exercise, but it's phenomenal for toning and cal burn. If you designate one of your exercise days as swimming day, then your mind can see it as an off day and really you're burning still.

kettlewitch

I feel the same. It just doesn't feel like I'm burning anywhere near what MFP tells me I am but I love to swim and see it as a treat after a gym session, better than a burger I suppose

missy1970eb

swimmings an all over body workout, and gd 4 toning so i would include it in my schedule

backinthenines

There are ways of working hard in the pool as well. I always used to feel that the swimming element of my training was like "not doing anything", and then my coach gave me drills to do, like interval swimming etc and all of a sudden you realise you can kill yourself in the pool as well. You can use hand paddels to increase the resistance and making your swimming much more powerful and developing your shoulder strength etc.

In terms of creaking joints, it's imperative you look after them. I use a very good supplement stack by Animal it's called 'Flex'. It's a combo of Glucosamine, MSM and Chrondroitin (and some cod liver oil type of stuff thrown in) and it's highly effective.

http://reviews.bodybuilding.com/Universal/Animal_Flex/

evertongirl

I agree .. swimming can give you a great work out..do a few slow laps and then make yourself swim 2 laps as fast as you possibly can and then keep repeating slow laps, fast laps etc making sure you finish with the fast laps. You will get out of the pool with your heart racing and your arms aching and feel like you have worked just as hard in the gym

david081

I work out in a place that has a pool. What better way to relax after with a liesurely 20 lengths of the pool...

Rosie958r

Swimming is the best!!
Maybe judge how hard you're working by your breathing?
Or counting laps?
When Im in the indoor pool I can feel my face getting redder ( I have one of those complexions that goes bright red when I do high intensity exercise)

JenniferH81

Do both!

sparklesammy

If I have a lot of time on my hands i like to work out in the gym and then go for a swim, its relaxing : )

-and then i go in the sauna, which is lush : )

lulabellewoowoo

Get a heart rate monitor that you can use in the water. Then monitor your success and exertion both in and out of the pool by calories burned. It will be inspiring for you!

rosebarnalice

You're asking What to do??
I say:

"Jump in the water, c'mon baby get wet with me"!

(Peter Gabriel/ Kiss that Frog)

stephaniezoundi

If I have a lot of time on my hands i like to work out in the gym and then go for a swim, its relaxing : )

-and then i go in the sauna, which is lush : )

This is what I ended up doing!