I'm a newbie, to swimming for fitness, but not to general working out.
I'm puzzled about how to make sure my aging bod is set for a good workout in the pool. I've always been under the impression that stretching cold muscles is not very productive, but I also don't think it's wise to drive to the pool, change, and hop straight in the pool and start doing laps.
Do you stretch before you get in the pool (or er, intend to, anyway, most times lol?). Or does a hot tub do any good before a swim workout?
It occurs to me that I'm beginning my swim workout "cold," and that it is maybe impeding my progress.
I think a lot of people out there swim too hard in their warm up or push the set distances too long. I strive for lots of variety in a swim warm up and find short easy repeats work better to get the kinks out than a longer interval of straight freestyle (although I will do both). Don’t be afraid to do 50’s or even 25’s as you start moving. Easy 25’s, not hard ones. I also like 75’s of 25kick, 25Drill, 25Swim during warm up. Keeps things changing and moving so you’re not stuck in one swim motion too long and you might have better results warming up in the pool.
I think a lot of people out there swim too hard in their warm up or push the set distances too long. I strive for lots of variety in a swim warm up and find short easy repeats work better to get the kinks out than a longer interval of straight freestyle (although I will do both). Don’t be afraid to do 50’s or even 25’s as you start moving. Easy 25’s, not hard ones. I also like 75’s of 25kick, 25Drill, 25Swim during warm up. Keeps things changing and moving so you’re not stuck in one swim motion too long and you might have better results warming up in the pool.
