Any Swimmers?

[Cierese]

So, my geneticist isn't so happy with me running all these years because of EDS is making my joints really unstable. He's suggesting I turn to swimming instead. I'm interested in pointers for startup. I know how to stay afloat and some basics, but nothing to really do for exercise, form, etc.....

 

[ibelieveinmagic]

dh and i have taken up swimming for the past 2 months just because i like to be warm and do something i like! i've worked up to 9 full laps, i do water weights and shoot hoops in the water, then we sit in the hot tub for 10 minutes We love it!!! i believe it is really helping and working out my whole body, we walk 2 miles on the off days. Swimming is exhausting though, it can tire you out at first!

 

[glss1/2fll]

I've started swimming, but because I don't want to take my glasses off I don't get my face wet! I start out with a lap of breast stroke, then a lap of side stroke, then I do back stroke. I also use a kick board and usually kick about 5 minutes. I'm in the water for a total of 20 minutes and that is plenty! It is very tiring. See if you can either take a lesson or an aqua fitness class. They are fun.

Good luck!

 

[Love2Run]

I'm looking to start swimming too. I know how to swim to survive but I'm not efficient so I too am looking for any advice for a beginner. Any good books maybe?

 

[bekkiz]

My background is swimming and water polo. I coached for many years. Hiring a private coach for a few sessions or taking lessons is the BEST thing you can do to learn. It is really, really, really hard to change your stroke so it is efficient and productive unless you have someone watching you and adjusting it for you. Also, so much of swimming is finding a good balance in the water, which, again, is tough to do alone.

I was talking with a friend who was trying to get into swimming, and was getting really tired. I told her when you're first beginning, you're expending like 85% of your energy not drowning. You won't have any left to move forward!

If coaching or lessons aren't options, there are a bunch of videos that can be helpful like https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HLW2AI1Ink I would just like to point out again, you won't know if you're doing it right unless you have someone video you or coach you from out of the water. Even professional swimmers have a hard time with this.

 

[John VN]

Coaching lessons for proper technique is a very good idea.

If you prefer to internet it, Swim Smooth and Total Immersion Perpetual Motion are 2 GREAT sites from which to gain knowledge.

I started swimming 2 years ago at 62 when I started triathlons and they have been very helpful. Need to improve my 2.4 mile swim time for this November's Ironman so I will be getting some live coaching.

Once you can relax in the water, everything feels soooo much better. This is from a big time sinker.

McFlurry John

 

[Cierese]

Thanks so much!! I think I'm going to renew my Y membership and try to get into some lessons this summer. My DS6 wants lessons as well, so that sounds like a great plan! We're headed to the world on Saturday for a week and then the 23rd I have surgery. Bummed I won't get started til probably the end of summer, but my son can start without me!

 

[Zoesmama03]

Check out youtube. I've found some good info on both stroke tips and breathing. As well as some other exercises. Plus I make up some too. Like one I use for arms where I pull a foam pool noodle straight down to my legs and then control it back up. Feels nice on arms. Plus push ups on the side. Lunges in the 3 ft or so range.

I'm not great but I am learning new stuff.

 

[omalleythealicat]

I've been swimming on my high school team for the last three years now, before that I had only swam when I was really little. I didn't get a personal coach or anything, but the high school coach was really good about making sure we had the technique right, and she still is. We're constantly doing drills to make our stroke better. The best thing you can do is learn the strokes and practice them. Look up drills and sets online to practice

 

[lakelandgal70]

I am not a super strong swimmer but I use our pool to jog in.