Swimming - Satan’s exercise?
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I call swimming the Devil’s exercise because I suck at it! Whenever I try to do laps, I’m so inefficient in my stroke that I’m exhausted at the end of one lap. Clearly swimming is not my sport!
All you graceful swimmers out there, God bless you! Swimming is the best exercise, and no pressure on your joints!1 -
I call swimming the Devil’s exercise because I suck at it! Whenever I try to do laps, I’m so inefficient in my stroke that I’m exhausted at the end of one lap. Clearly swimming is not my sport!
All you graceful swimmers out there, God bless you! Swimming is the best exercise, and no pressure on your joints!
As I wrote in another post--swimming is just pushing water around. Can you do that? Then you can swim. You need to want to and just be persistent. I took my 3 boys to swimming lessons for years and they did competitive training. I loved watching them in the pool. My husband is also a fantastic swimmer. I was the only one in the family that had only gotten as far as the dog paddle. So, I decided to do acquagym and take a swimming course. That was 23 yrs ago. It took me awhile, but I got my stokes down and the rest is practice. Would I call myself a "graceful" swimmer? Maybe now, because I like form and what the human body can do. It always amazes me. So, just keep pluggin' along and you'll get there.4 -
It strikes me as so odd when I hear about adults who are learning to swim!
Don't get me wrong I'm not trying to belittle non swimmers, but just the concept of not being able to swim from from the age of being a toddler is just so foreign to me it's hard to wrap my head around.
Maybe it's a Australian thing or a growing up near the coast thing because in my 45 years on this earth I don't think I've ever come across someone over the age of 3 or 4 that couldn't swim.
I knew how to leisure swim, I could save myself if I had to. However, to actually swim laps....I was not efficiently breathing, terrible form. I am doing my first Sprint Tri in the summer and didn't want to be the last out of the water.4 -
Joanna2012B wrote: »It strikes me as so odd when I hear about adults who are learning to swim!
Don't get me wrong I'm not trying to belittle non swimmers, but just the concept of not being able to swim from from the age of being a toddler is just so foreign to me it's hard to wrap my head around.
Maybe it's a Australian thing or a growing up near the coast thing because in my 45 years on this earth I don't think I've ever come across someone over the age of 3 or 4 that couldn't swim.
I knew how to leisure swim, I could save myself if I had to. However, to actually swim laps....I was not efficiently breathing, terrible form. I am doing my first Sprint Tri in the summer and didn't want to be the last out of the water.
Even if you are last out of the water you will still be ahead of everyone lying on the couch x3 -
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Maybe it's a Australian thing or a growing up near the coast thing because in my 45 years on this earth I don't think I've ever come across someone over the age of 3 or 4 that couldn't swim.
Half of all adults in the US can't swim at all and would drown if thrown into deep water! There are multiple drownings every year at various bodies of water, including our local lake. Swimming is considered so dangerous that every pool is required to have lifeguards. (I note that there are no lifeguards in the weight room!)
This is an old study, but it makes the point.
https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/press-release/red-cross-launches-campaign-to-cut-drowning-in-half-in-50-cities.html
Unlike walking, you have no innate ability to swim!1 -
As I wrote in another post--swimming is just pushing water around. Can you do that? Then you can swim. You need to want to and just be persistent. I took my 3 boys to swimming lessons for years and they did competitive training. I loved watching them in the pool. My husband is also a fantastic swimmer. I was the only one in the family that had only gotten as far as the dog paddle. So, I decided to do acquagym and take a swimming course. That was 23 yrs ago. It took me awhile, but I got my stokes down and the rest is practice. Would I call myself a "graceful" swimmer? Maybe now, because I like form and what the human body can do. It always amazes me. So, just keep pluggin' along and you'll get there.[/quote]
I love to swim, and started lessons when I was a small child.
My dad took adult lessons when he realised his 5 year old daughter could out pace him
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It strikes me as so odd when I hear about adults who are learning to swim!
Don't get me wrong I'm not trying to belittle non swimmers, but just the concept of not being able to swim from from the age of being a toddler is just so foreign to me it's hard to wrap my head around.
Maybe it's a Australian thing or a growing up near the coast thing because in my 45 years on this earth I don't think I've ever come across someone over the age of 3 or 4 that couldn't swim.
It really is a matter of locality and the culture. I live in Wisconsin, a US state with a lot of water and outdoor activities like swimming, boating, and fishing are extremely common even though we have long frozen winters. Even so, it is estimated that about 1/3 of adults in my state cannot keep themselves afloat if they fell in water. Most of those live in cities where access to lakes or pools is limited and most schools do not have a pool to teach swimming.
My small town was a bit different. Almost everyone learned at least basic swimming. We had one lake and 2 rivers right in town plus another lake and river within 5 miles so the city decided to make swimming lessons a priority. They offered them for free for all city residents under age 18 as long as they completed 2nd grade or were 8 years old and at a very small cost for all residents of the county. It worked. The only drownings I remember were out-of-towners or private pool accidents.1 -
It strikes me as so odd when I hear about adults who are learning to swim!
Don't get me wrong I'm not trying to belittle non swimmers, but just the concept of not being able to swim from from the age of being a toddler is just so foreign to me it's hard to wrap my head around.
Maybe it's a Australian thing or a growing up near the coast thing because in my 45 years on this earth I don't think I've ever come across someone over the age of 3 or 4 that couldn't swim.
having grown up in australia and now lived in US for 20 years i can say that is the truth - they don't have the centrlaized swim lessons during the summer that most australian kids do2 -
I call swimming the Devil’s exercise because I suck at it! Whenever I try to do laps, I’m so inefficient in my stroke that I’m exhausted at the end of one lap. Clearly swimming is not my sport!
All you graceful swimmers out there, God bless you! Swimming is the best exercise, and no pressure on your joints!
A few swim lessons would probably fix that and make your swimming experience much more enjoyable.
I love swimming, though I don't lap swim much...mostly play around in our pool with the kids chasing them around and diving for their torpedo darts and whatnot. I started taking lessons at a pretty young age with Red Cross and ultimately became a Red Cross certified lifeguard, water attraction life guard, and shallow water lifeguard. I also did a season on a swim team when I was around 15 or 16 which was a lot of fun.
Anyway, a few lessons would likely go a long way in your enjoyment of swimming. I don't think anyone I know that is a good swimmer was self taught.
https://www.safeswim.com/red-cross-swim-lesson-levels/2 -
Joanna2012B wrote: »
There is no shame in being last. What would you say to one of us, or a friend, concerned about being last. I was last in my first 5k, my first tri sprint , and my first Olympic distance aqua bike (swim then bike, no run). Proud of it!3 -
I love swimming. I should go more often - I've been climbing a lot recently, but I've injured a finger so have more time available for other exercises.
About 4 years ago, I taught myself a new stroke (for me) - the no hands; backwards breast stroke. It's useful when scuba diving, for example to avoid bumping into your buddy at the safety/deco stop. I was doing a scuba course where it was needed.
It's like a standard breast stroke leg action, but done in reverse to make you go backwards. I practiced enough where I could do a 25 metre length easily enough at the pool, and it did indeed translate to being able to it on dives.
I don't recommend it for non-divers, as you go very slowly, can't see where you're going, and look desperately eccentric. Learning a new stroke as an adult was an interesting experience, though.
Yes, when I was swimming a lot and combating boredom I tried new ways of breathing while doing the crawl (aka freestyle). For decades I've been breathing under my right arm, so trying to breath under my left or alternating where I was breathing was very challenging.0 -
I come pretty close to thinking of swimming as the devil's exercise.
I don't like being wet all over. As a longtime canoeist and rower, and sometime kayaker, swimming feels like failure.
I learned to swim as a child (in Michigan, BTW, which is allfulla water), but resisted learning and practicing, and by adulthood lost everything other than dog-paddle or a poor-quality backstroke. That was enough to save myself in conditions where I would canoe/row, especially when wearing a PFD (which most rowers don't). I was able to pass a minimalist rowing camp swim test (100 yards continuous any stroke, 5 minutes treading water), but it wasn't pretty. And I did flip boats a few times, and live, without causing risk to others.
Nonetheless, rowers have to be able to swim, and I wanted to be better at it, so I took adult learn-to-swim lessons in my late 40s. It was a really good experience. It improved my confidence, and improved my skills very significantly. I can now swim freestyle laps, though I still struggle to get full lengths (33 yard pool), because my breathing vs. intensity are still a problem. And I learned or tuned up other strokes.
I do try to swim a bit in Winter, so as not to backslide, at least. My attitude has improved a little, but I still don't find it actually fun. (Usually I alternate lengths of freestyle and backstroke, because of the breathing efficiency thing.)
Nonetheless, it's good exercise, and it burns calories, and (for me) it's a necessary skill. It's even mildly strengthening, for muscle groups I don't usually show as much love.
OP, if you enjoy it, go for it. Only ignorant people deprecate its value, IMO . . . even among those of us who do think it's the devil's exercise, kinda.
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I come pretty close to thinking of swimming as the devil's exercise.
I don't like being wet all over. As a longtime canoeist and rower, and sometime kayaker, swimming feels like failure.
I learned to swim as a child (in Michigan, BTW, which is allfulla water), but resisted learning and practicing, and by adulthood lost everything other than dog-paddle or a poor-quality backstroke. That was enough to save myself in conditions where I would canoe/row, especially when wearing a PFD (which most rowers don't). I was able to pass a minimalist rowing camp swim test (100 yards continuous any stroke, 5 minutes treading water), but it wasn't pretty. And I did flip boats a few times, and live, without causing risk to others.
Nonetheless, rowers have to be able to swim, and I wanted to be better at it, so I took adult learn-to-swim lessons in my late 40s. It was a really good experience. It improved my confidence, and improved my skills very significantly. I can now swim freestyle laps, though I still struggle to get full lengths (33 yard pool), because my breathing vs. intensity are still a problem. And I learned or tuned up other strokes.
I do try to swim a bit in Winter, so as not to backslide, at least. My attitude has improved a little, but I still don't find it actually fun. (Usually I alternate lengths of freestyle and backstroke, because of the breathing efficiency thing.)
Nonetheless, it's good exercise, and it burns calories, and (for me) it's a necessary skill. It's even mildly strengthening, for muscle groups I don't usually show as much love.
OP, if you enjoy it, go for it. Only ignorant people deprecate its value, IMO . . . even among those of us who do think it's the devil's exercise, kinda.
LOL, I am your polar opposite on this one. I LOVE water and have since I was a baby. As a family we would camp on a lake and we kids spent as much time as possible in or on the water and I was the one who was in the water most of the time. When I learned to kayak as an adult (grew up canoeing) I practiced wet exits as much as possible because I found it fun to turn upside down in the kayak and swim out. My excuse was that I needed to perfect reentering the boat.
My swimming is not fast and it is not pretty but I can swim for ages. I used to swim across the lake to my friend's home for fun and even now I will happily swim for 90 minutes in the pool. I prefer lakes and rivers but the pool is a saline one so it isn't as bad as chlorine.1 -
Joanna2012B wrote: »
@Joanna2012B - The only thing that spectators will be thinking is how impressive your effort is, since so many people are intimidated just by looking at an open water swim course. And every triathlete who is an adult onset swimmer is thinking the same thing: "I can't wait til the swim is over, so I can get on my bike!!"
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Swimming is so good for you whole body. I also think it’s good for you mentally since you can zen out in the process. And walking is also one of the best exercises you can do for your body. I think people that knock other people’s fitness routines are just trying to bring them down to their level. Humans are naturally petty.1
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loribethrice wrote: »Swimming is so good for you whole body. I also think it’s good for you mentally since you can zen out in the process. And walking is also one of the best exercises you can do for your body. I think people that knock other people’s fitness routines are just trying to bring them down to their level. Humans are naturally petty.
You are so right. I hear people putting down walking but, according to the National Weight Control Registry, walking is the most common exercise among those who have lost at least 30 lb and kept it off for 3 years or more.0 -
Joanna2012B wrote: »
There is no shame in being last. What would you say to one of us, or a friend, concerned about being last. I was last in my first 5k, my first tri sprint , and my first Olympic distance aqua bike (swim then bike, no run). Proud of it!
Hahaha...you are sneaky! Of course I would tell anyone that just doing it is AWESOME!!Joanna2012B wrote: »
@Joanna2012B - The only thing that spectators will be thinking is how impressive your effort is, since so many people are intimidated just by looking at an open water swim course. And every triathlete who is an adult onset swimmer is thinking the same thing: "I can't wait til the swim is over, so I can get on my bike!!"
I know for sure I will be thinking that!!!
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Joanna2012B wrote: »Joanna2012B wrote: »
There is no shame in being last. What would you say to one of us, or a friend, concerned about being last. I was last in my first 5k, my first tri sprint , and my first Olympic distance aqua bike (swim then bike, no run). Proud of it!
Hahaha...you are sneaky! Of course I would tell anyone that just doing it is AWESOME!!Joanna2012B wrote: »
@Joanna2012B - The only thing that spectators will be thinking is how impressive your effort is, since so many people are intimidated just by looking at an open water swim course. And every triathlete who is an adult onset swimmer is thinking the same thing: "I can't wait til the swim is over, so I can get on my bike!!"
I know for sure I will be thinking that!!!
DFL > DNS> DNR (dead last is better than didn't start is better than didn't register)1 -
Former collegiate swimmer here with a few thoughts:
We were always told you are hungrier after swimming vs other exercise since the water keeps you cooler. Raising your core temperature a bit like with running suppresses appetite.
Also, the less efficient of a swimmer you are the more calories you will burn covering the same distance.
I LOVE to swim but had to quit due to over-use rotator cuff issues. I've considered having the surgery to repair that I would need to go back to it but it sounds absolutely awful.0 -
WJS_jeepster wrote: »Former collegiate swimmer here with a few thoughts:
We were always told you are hungrier after swimming vs other exercise since the water keeps you cooler. Raising your core temperature a bit like with running suppresses appetite.
Also, the less efficient of a swimmer you are the more calories you will burn covering the same distance.
I LOVE to swim but had to quit due to over-use rotator cuff issues. I've considered having the surgery to repair that I would need to go back to it but it sounds absolutely awful.
Can you swim with different strokes that don't engage the rotator cuff as much? Have you tried the Combat Stroke? I know several people with similar issues who do that exclusively now.2 -
WJS_jeepster wrote: »Former collegiate swimmer here with a few thoughts:
We were always told you are hungrier after swimming vs other exercise since the water keeps you cooler. Raising your core temperature a bit like with running suppresses appetite.
Also, the less efficient of a swimmer you are the more calories you will burn covering the same distance.
I LOVE to swim but had to quit due to over-use rotator cuff issues. I've considered having the surgery to repair that I would need to go back to it but it sounds absolutely awful.
Can you swim with different strokes that don't engage the rotator cuff as much? Have you tried the Combat Stroke? I know several people with similar issues who do that exclusively now.
As a swimming "snob" that makes me shudder.
I really only swim free and back. I was a distance freestyle swimmer. Even in college I was known to cheat if it was a fly set and one-arm it.
At the moment I don't have a pool near me that I would be willing to swim in, and I don't have time to travel further with two little kids at home. In the summer there's a long-course outdoor pool that I may try to get back to this year if I can baby my shoulders along.
Sad to say I think my swimming days are over. I don't enjoy it anymore now that I can't go fast.
ETA - now my main exercise is walking and running. I love that I can just put on shoes and head out my door. As much as I loved swimming it really takes up a lot of time to get to the pool. I used to have to get to practice up to 30 minutes early and psych myself up to get in the water (it was COLD - 76 degrees). I would usually end up getting pushed in by the coach once practice started.0 -
WJS_jeepster wrote: »WJS_jeepster wrote: »Former collegiate swimmer here with a few thoughts:
We were always told you are hungrier after swimming vs other exercise since the water keeps you cooler. Raising your core temperature a bit like with running suppresses appetite.
Also, the less efficient of a swimmer you are the more calories you will burn covering the same distance.
I LOVE to swim but had to quit due to over-use rotator cuff issues. I've considered having the surgery to repair that I would need to go back to it but it sounds absolutely awful.
Can you swim with different strokes that don't engage the rotator cuff as much? Have you tried the Combat Stroke? I know several people with similar issues who do that exclusively now.
As a swimming "snob" that makes me shudder.
I really only swim free and back. I was a distance freestyle swimmer. Even in college I was known to cheat if it was a fly set and one-arm it.
At the moment I don't have a pool near me that I would be willing to swim in, and I don't have time to travel further with two little kids at home. In the summer there's a long-course outdoor pool that I may try to get back to this year if I can baby my shoulders along.
Sad to say I think my swimming days are over. I don't enjoy it anymore now that I can't go fast.
ETA - now my main exercise is walking and running. I love that I can just put on shoes and head out my door. As much as I loved swimming it really takes up a lot of time to get to the pool. I used to have to get to practice up to 30 minutes early and psych myself up to get in the water (it was COLD - 76 degrees). I would usually end up getting pushed in by the coach once practice started.
Well, if it makes you feel better, now that people know what the Combat Stroke is and who developed and uses it, it is the "cool kids" stroke at the gym.
True, swimming isn't nearly as convenient, especially with a young active family.0 -
loribethrice wrote: »Swimming is so good for you whole body. I also think it’s good for you mentally since you can zen out in the process. And walking is also one of the best exercises you can do for your body. I think people that knock other people’s fitness routines are just trying to bring them down to their level. Humans are naturally petty.
You are so right. I hear people putting down walking but, according to the National Weight Control Registry, walking is the most common exercise among those who have lost at least 30 lb and kept it off for 3 years or more.
My most successful fat loss began when started walking slow (2.4 mph) on the treadmill at the high incline for 20-30 minutes, and doing it immediately after my strength training.0 -
I love swimming. But watch your form for shoulder safety - lots of good YouTube videos on proper form. There is research that shows you eat more calories after swimming than other workouts, but only in cold water. (Exercising in cold air also makes us intuitively eat more calories.)0
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