Swimmers Weigh In...

nerdieprofessor

Rory,

How much (distance or time) can you swim _comfortably_ (not too tiring and nothing hurting) without stopping to rest? Whatever that is, do it. Then, two days later, or it again, but add 10% (more time or distance, whichever you decide to use). Keep adding 10% each day, three days a week, for four weeks. Then, let's assess where you are distance wise and what you think your goals are going to be in the future.

)

nerdieprofessor, who has actually SWAM a 5K before, and is so happy her hotel has a 25 meter pool! Hallelujah!

LisaRoXie

I'm so glad to have found this group, and even this thread.

My life has changed significantly in the past month, so I jumped on the opportunity to swim for the exercise, because seriously it's the only exercise i can truly tell you I enjoy.

I feel more committed to taking this step than at any other time in my life for a few reasons.

First I swim in open water, its more accessible on a small island than a pool.
Second I am doing this alone. While I could swim from young, I had to get over a whole lifetime of fear of swimming alone. Years of Buddy system or nothing, led to no exercise at all.
I've yet to find a swim partner but after a few months swimming sporadically I'm more comfortable to go for some distance. Well comfortable isn't really the word as is, more losing paralysing fear. (lol)

But having past that psychological hurdle, and getting all excited about swimming 3-4 times a week, I've been reading the mix views about swimming to lose weight. Was beginning to get disheartened.

I do plan to stick to it though, better to do what I enjoy than nothing. And I typically walk about 2 miles to the beach and back 2 a week, and other days I only walk after the swim. So I'll stick to that for the first few months, then add running to the plan

Glad to have found some other swimmers to share with.

bmonagle

I have been swimming 3 times a week for 50 minutes since February. I start off with the kickboard for 10 minutes and then alternate strokes (frrestyle, breast stroke, back stoke and side stroke) each length for the final 40 minutes. i do this to create muscle confusion, avoid repetive use issues, include interval training and avoid boredom. I also use a recumbent staionary bike (at home)for 30 minutes each morning and an additional 30 minutes on non swimming days. I have been able to maintain an average loss of 2 lbs per week. My wife and I also go off diet on Sundays and go to a restaurant. This combination works for me. It allowed me to avoid any injuries, optimize muscle toning, range of motion and maintain an consistent workout schedule. I do not take any measurements but I keep reducing the size of my clothes.

CannibalisticVegetarian

I've only been swimming three times in the last two weeks (hoping to increase this once I get my own transportation) and though weight has been fluctuating because of water weight, I can say that I'm about down 0.8 pounds.. and I don't measure regularly, but can tell that I've lost something off my waist line.. not as much to pinch .. if that says anything.

yokurio

I started swimming this month to get ready for a triathlon next year. My experiences have been good. I went from not being able to swim across the pool to being able to and almost ready to do a full 50 meters (down and back). It is a lot different from running.