Swimming...^.^?

rosegiver
rosegiver Posts: 19
edited October 4 in Fitness and Exercise
Ok I have just found out that there was an indoor pool in my comkmunity, and I was wondering what kind of swimming exercises are good for your abs, and arms. I never really swim seriously other than just for fun. Also how do you do water dancing...At least I think that it is called that.
Hope for some great advice, and I would deeply appreciate it. :happy: :wink: :heart:

Replies

  • godroxmysox
    godroxmysox Posts: 1,491 Member
    treading water is really good...and you can feel it working; it hurts, lol
  • cygnetpro
    cygnetpro Posts: 419 Member
    I just joined an indoor pool and have been swimming 1/2 hour at a time (goal is to work up to 1 hour). I don't know scientifically, but I found that doing the breast stroke really seemed to work my abs. Also, my lower back was a little sore the next day, so I'm guessing that those muscles came into play, too. :-)
  • cygnetpro
    cygnetpro Posts: 419 Member
    Treading water is good, but according to this site, it burns about 1/3 of the calories of light to moderate swimming. So trying to swim some laps may be a good choice. "Running' underwater in the shallow end burns a lot of calories too, I believe. Plus it'd be great for your legs.
  • rachelleahsmom
    rachelleahsmom Posts: 442 Member
    Actually, all kinds of swimming are good for your abs and arms. Keep your tummy tucked in and move your hips from side to side as you do laps. The water provides resistance that will help with your arm muscles. Also, almost any exercise you do on land, you can do in the water and it will be easier on your joints. Squats, running, jogging, jumping jacks, etc. You can do push ups and pull ups on the side of the pool. I love working out in the water!
  • stephl81
    stephl81 Posts: 122 Member
    I used to be a competitive swimmer and its one of the best exercises out there with very little impact on our joints! The butterfly really works your abs, especially if you just do the legs with the kickboard or on your back. If you want to focus just on arms, put a floaty in between your legs ( I use the foam dumbbell used in water aerobics), and swim free style (or any style) tand his will focus on your arms and I mean ALL of your arms. You will feel it. Once you build up your strength, add hand paddles that will really kick up the intensity. Have fun! :)
  • twowheelhooligan
    twowheelhooligan Posts: 24
    Consider taking adult lessons so that any swimming you do, is with good repetitions. That way you don't have to UNLEARN bad habits developed.

    But, until that happens, try to maybe isolate halves of your body. Get a drag buoy(pinch between your thighs) and use just your arms. Likewise, get a kick board to workout just your legs. I'm sure the pool would have both of those.

    I bet if you googled swim workouts, you could find some structured workouts. Something like:

    100yds - kick only
    100 yds- arms only
    100 yds - swim

    50ydX4 - Freestyle(front crawl) on 15 sec rests
    50ydX4 - breast stroke on 15 sec rests.
    50ydX4 - backstroke on 15 sec rests
    etc.

    At least it gives you a goal for the day. I complete the workout my teacher gives me about 60% of the time, other times she pushes me but I am unable to complete. You'll find you'll improve quickly and that there is NO replacement for swimming endurance other than swimming more.

    Best of luck!!

    2-wheel
  • Galina2
    Galina2 Posts: 3
    See if you can take an aqua aerobics class either in shallow or deep water.
    use a kickboard when you are tired of swimming laps.
    Use dumbbels (some pools have them or you can get them cheap) and they do wonders for your strength.

    Try the compensium of physical activitieis and that will help with knowing what things burns.
  • rosegiver
    rosegiver Posts: 19
    Thank yall for yall's put in it is going to help me alot, and I hope that I will gain strength in the suggestions. :flowerforyou: :drinker:
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