Swimming?!?

ilsie99

I'm a total swimming noob. Any suggestions? I'm even talking about tips on where to swim, when, how often, and definitely how to start!

(I used to swim pretty well... 25 years ago. I haven't swam in about 12 years, and even then it was basically, yay, I can keep myself alive if I have to.)

JenOman

I actually signed up for a refresher course from the local pool. It was 45 minutes for four Saturdays, and really helped me get back in the groove.

Also, for workouts, I know there are some online. Good luck!

RNewton4269

I go to the pool on the Army post I work on. They are offering a water aerobics class this summer. Super fun and great exercise for toning. Plus I will get to work on my tan.

The instructor is also going to do some Aqua Zumba this summer too as part of the class...so looking forward to it.

FunSizedK

I love to swim!!!!! I take my kids every chance I get! I mean just walking around in the pool is exercise.

Mrs_TrimWaistFatWallet

For your first few workouts, you probably won't have your breathing down and your arms might get really tired really fast. But, after only a couple workouts, it gets a LOT easier. Hang in there..

girlwapp

If your local high school has a pool, they probably have hours that are open to the public. There are also probably community pools around (they normally cost $ to join, though a member could probably get you in for cheap a few times) that have a designated lap lane.

You might want to try 0 to 1650, here: http://ruthkazez.com/swimming/ZeroTo1mile.html

If you want help with your stroke then try youtube tutorials. They exist for just about everything and can be crazy helpful for even the weirdest things.

Good luck! I swam for years competitively and had the best body of my life when I was swimming varsity in high school. It's great for toning and is really gentle on your joints. Have fun

kater8er

I love swimming! Love it love it love it! First, at whatever pool you go to, check and see how long the pool is--sometimes it's 25m or 50m or 25/50 yds---WHICH IS DIFFERENT. I thought I was swimming a certain distance for a long time, realized that in fact I needed to add 8 more laps to get that distance....-_-

I have a few swimming workouts that I do:

1) Just swim for X distance. Usually when I do this I swim 1 mile--> It takes me about 50 minutes swimming backstroke the entire time. I'll swim without stopping for breaks when I do this.

2) Sprint repeats. I'll swim for 100m or yards (but you could do 50 to start with) as fast as I can, any stroke. (I usually do backstroke because it's my best one) then break for 1 min...Do it for a half hour.

3) Alternating strokes---I'll swim for a half hour at a decent pace alternating between the 4 strokes to get different muscle groups engaged...1 lap at each of the 4 strokes (4 laps total) is a set. This is my least favorite one because I suck at 2 strokes....Break at end of every set if you need to but eventually

I swim 2x a week and not on consecutive days because it tires me out more than any other workout I do and it makes my arms and back really sore....Today I'm swimming a mile.

Good luck! Ps friend me if you'd like a swimming/MFP buddy

robinaddison

There is another poster on these forums - his user name is "thefranlover". He has a blog which has some great swimming workouts ranging from novice to advanced. He's open to new friends - shoot him a message!

♥Amy♥

Does anyone know of any exercises that are good to do in the pool (besides swimming)? I take my sons almost daily to our subdivision pool and I'd love to know some good workouts I can do while I am in the water watching them.

TIA!

iAMaPhoenix

Check with your local YWCA if you have one or just do like most people do...sneak into the hotel pool.

ilsie99

If your local high school has a pool, they probably have hours that are open to the public. There are also probably community pools around (they normally cost $ to join, though a member could probably get you in for cheap a few times) that have a designated lap lane.

You might want to try 0 to 1650, here: http://ruthkazez.com/swimming/ZeroTo1mile.html

If you want help with your stroke then try youtube tutorials. They exist for just about everything and can be crazy helpful for even the weirdest things.

Good luck! I swam for years competitively and had the best body of my life when I was swimming varsity in high school. It's great for toning and is really gentle on your joints. Have fun

Exactly what I was looking for! Thanks for the link!

ilsie99

I love swimming! Love it love it love it! First, at whatever pool you go to, check and see how long the pool is--sometimes it's 25m or 50m or 25/50 yds---WHICH IS DIFFERENT. I thought I was swimming a certain distance for a long time, realized that in fact I needed to add 8 more laps to get that distance....-_-

I have a few swimming workouts that I do:

1) Just swim for X distance. Usually when I do this I swim 1 mile--> It takes me about 50 minutes swimming backstroke the entire time. I'll swim without stopping for breaks when I do this.

2) Sprint repeats. I'll swim for 100m or yards (but you could do 50 to start with) as fast as I can, any stroke. (I usually do backstroke because it's my best one) then break for 1 min...Do it for a half hour.

3) Alternating strokes---I'll swim for a half hour at a decent pace alternating between the 4 strokes to get different muscle groups engaged...1 lap at each of the 4 strokes (4 laps total) is a set. This is my least favorite one because I suck at 2 strokes....Break at end of every set if you need to but eventually

I swim 2x a week and not on consecutive days because it tires me out more than any other workout I do and it makes my arms and back really sore....Today I'm swimming a mile.

Good luck! Ps friend me if you'd like a swimming/MFP buddy

Ah, ok, good to know, see I didn't know that some pools are metric. :O

gymshoe42

go check out the site swimplan.com .... then as someone suggested.. youtube for stroke technique..
the site basically creates a workout for you...it's been great for me!