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Swimming.....

emmab0902
emmab0902 Posts: 2,338 Member
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What is it about swimming that nails you like no other exercise. It seems to be fairly commonly experienced that swimming creates tiredness like no other sport.

Does anyone know why that is?

Replies

  • Ms_J1
    Ms_J1 Posts: 253 Member
    You mean after you swim? It's called the after-burn effect - in order for the body to return back to its normal state after an intense workout, the body consumes more oxygen which in turn, increases the metabolism which is what makes you tired. It's more common in people who swim sprints than in people who swim distance. But generally, the harder you swim, the more likely you'll experience the after-burn effect.
  • conniekat8
    conniekat8 Posts: 64 Member
    Oxygen deprivation plays a part especially if you are just trying to learn to breathe comfortably, but also when in water your blood pressure changes, and on top of that, your body will cool down a tad, even in 80F water, that's almost 20F cooler then out bodies. After an hour in that environment, it affects you a tad. .. .and the environment moves, lot of twisting, turning, flip turns, it can throw off your equilibrium for a bit, especially if you are new. ...and, you use so many muscles to swim, since there is nothing to hold on to while in water.
    Your body cooling down a bit will make you extra tired, because it needs to work harder to warm up again.
  • emmab0902
    emmab0902 Posts: 2,338 Member
    Oxygen deprivation plays a part especially if you are just trying to learn to breathe comfortably, but also when in water your blood pressure changes, and on top of that, your body will cool down a tad, even in 80F water, that's almost 20F cooler then out bodies. After an hour in that environment, it affects you a tad. .. .and the environment moves, lot of twisting, turning, flip turns, it can throw off your equilibrium for a bit, especially if you are new. ...and, you use so many muscles to swim, since there is nothing to hold on to while in water.
    Your body cooling down a bit will make you extra tired, because it needs to work harder to warm up again.

    I am definitely not new to swimming having done it competitively as a teenager. Usually swim 3 to 4km in a session now and in a pool of about 82F in warmth. Sorry should have added all that info!
  • conniekat8
    conniekat8 Posts: 64 Member
    When it comes to experienced swimmers, it the exertion (Swimming still requires a lot of muscles and burns a lot of calories) and cooler environment. 82F is a nice warm pool, but still 16F cooler then our bodies.

    I can't find more scientific article about this that I read few years ago, at the moment , here's something that mentions the phenomenon: http://www.instabeat.me/blog/2014/01/29/swimming-sleepy/
  • jjeanmneis
    jjeanmneis Posts: 83 Member
    So..Any ideas on how to curb this after burn "I could eat a horse and then everything in site" after I swim munchies?

    I'm finding that's when I want to eat the sugar/fat laden stuff - I would have lost more than 1 lb if I'd have curbed this problem this week.
  • Ms_J1
    Ms_J1 Posts: 253 Member
    I drink a Premier protein drink when I get home from swimming. They're low in fat and sugar and in high protein (30 grams). You can get them at Sam's, Costco, and some Walmarts.
  • Ms_J1
    Ms_J1 Posts: 253 Member
    In fact, if you're trying to lose weight, Premier protein drinks are ideal for weight loss.
  • jjeanmneis
    jjeanmneis Posts: 83 Member
    Niffty - I'll try one. Thanks
  • conniekat8
    conniekat8 Posts: 64 Member
    So..Any ideas on how to curb this after burn "I could eat a horse and then everything in site" after I swim munchies?

    I'm finding that's when I want to eat the sugar/fat laden stuff - I would have lost more than 1 lb if I'd have curbed this problem this week.

    Keep yourself warm too. Part of it is because your body has cooled off a tad (even half a degree will affect you), that's a big part of getting the munchies, our bodies are working at something.
    I end to take a nap after a swim whenever I can, under warmed up covers, or sit in a jacuzzy or take a long warm shower or a bath (and de-chlorinate). Eat some low calorie quick carbs if your body insists on more energy. Drink warm stuff.

    Especially when I'm just getting in shape, I have to take a nap after a serious workout. Not so much after 6 months to a year of building up.

    And of course, be conscious of your calorie intake so you don't eat too much or too little....
  • jjeanmneis
    jjeanmneis Posts: 83 Member
    So..Any ideas on how to curb this after burn "I could eat a horse and then everything in site" after I swim munchies?

    I'm finding that's when I want to eat the sugar/fat laden stuff - I would have lost more than 1 lb if I'd have curbed this problem this week.

    Keep yourself warm too. Part of it is because your body has cooled off a tad (even half a degree will affect you), that's a big part of getting the munchies, our bodies are working at something.
    I end to take a nap after a swim whenever I can, under warmed up covers, or sit in a jacuzzy or take a long warm shower or a bath (and de-chlorinate). Eat some low calorie quick carbs if your body insists on more energy. Drink warm stuff.

    Especially when I'm just getting in shape, I have to take a nap after a serious workout. Not so much after 6 months to a year of building up.

    And of course, be conscious of your calorie intake so you don't eat too much or too little....






    Thanks. I'll try to stay warmer after my swim - the pool deck has large bay doors that allows a breeze so it can be chilly after the heated 85 degree water and its always freezing inside down the hallway from the pool to the locker room with the a/c's blasting.

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