Swimming advice for a nonswimmer?

martinbeks

I'm not a huge swimmer. I was petrified by water as a child, and am slowly getting over that aversion. I can swim, just not well enough to complete or anything. I'm wanting to swim for fitness, and wonder if anyone has any advice for a newcomer.

angraham2

Try a water areobics class. It burns more calories, and is great for the joints, it will increase your flexiblility and I always feel great afterwards! Check your local community college or swimming pool for classes.

cmriverside

There are lots of classes. If you are comfortable in the water, and no longer afraid, just go to some public pools and check out their classes.

You can take swimming lessons to work on form. It is excellent exercise! Have fun with it.

glassgallm

Get yourself a pair of swim goggles. You can swim more efficiently if you aren't bothered with water dripping in your eyes, whether or not you swim with face in the water. Start off slow and aim for number of minutes you swim, rather than how many laps.

KendraElmendorf

Hello, as a competitive swimmer for most of my life (7yrs old -20 yrs old) I may be of some help if you have specific questions. feel free to PM me. I would suggest Goggles too. They make things easier and smoother if you are new or not used to swimming with your eyes closed. Alternate breathing, on both sides of your body, is very helpful and will help to evenly gain muscle on both sides of your body, plus will help with balance. anyway PM with more questions. I would love to help! even if it isn't fitness related, ie cramps, suit brands, swimmers ear, chlorine in hair... haha

ummlovelovesyou

There's tons on videos online for novice swimmers. Try youtube.

-Goggles are a must in my opinion. I prefer swim caps as well because I have hair that resembles a lion's mane.

-Water jogging is a good accompaniment with swimming, especially if you're still getting familiar with the pool.

-Breathing exercises will help strengthen your lungs as well as swimming with your face in the water. When you swim with your face up, you put strain on your neck and the rest of your body sinks...and you want your body parallel with the water. Side breathing, simultaneous arm stroke movement, and kicking is what you want to practice.

-When you warm up, use a kick board and hold it out in front of you, arms straight, face down in the water. Pick your head up when you need to breathe (obviously haha!), then back down. This will give you a nice burn in your thighs. Kicking works WONDERS to tone the butt too!



If you have any questions, you can message me as well. I swim 2-3 times a week and love it. Easy on the joints and great all around body benefits.

arrich02

I love swimming too. I swim about 2-3 a week as well. After I swim I am STARVING!!! Even if I ate before. It's like I have a bottomless pit in my stomach. And I get why I'm hungry, the cooler temperature of the water causes my body to lose heat and the blood vessels in my skin to constrict which prevents the release of certain hormones that suppress appetite during and soon after exercise. That's what the internet says anways. But what do you do to stave off that hunger? Any tips?

tinkermommc

I second water aerobics, goggles, kick board and lessons. Most rec centers offer private lessons and then you can feel alittle more comfortable before swimming laps. Water aerobics are great because you're moving in the water and burning a ton of calories.

So my 2 cents.

Swimming is the same as any exercise, remember to stretch, warm up and cool down, your body with thank you. Or if you don't it will remember and you'll pay with stiffness for a couple days.

Drink water(not the pool). You still need water. I don't stop to drink while I'm swimming but I drink a bottle of water right afterward.

Eat something small right before. My favorite is a banana. Those simple carbs kick in while I swim and I'm not as hungry after. I also swim right before a mealtime because I know it makes me hungry.

Good luck and enjoy your swim!!