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.
The older you get, the more warm up you will need to get the synovial fluid working in your joints. Keep this in mind as you age.
And, take it from me as well -- I'm even older than Elaine. Warmup movements help me in other types of fitness activities. I have not been doing anything before I get in and swim, but, I want to try some stretching and walking because I suspect it will help, among other things, to work out my trouble with breathing. I think getting warmed up affects how my body uses oxygen. So, it isn't (all) about just muscles getting unkinked.
The older you get, the more warm up you will need to get the synovial fluid working in your joints. Keep this in mind as you age.
And, take it from me as well -- I'm even older than Elaine. Warmup movements help me in other types of fitness activities. I have not been doing anything before I get in and swim, but, I want to try some stretching and walking because I suspect it will help, among other things, to work out my trouble with breathing. I think getting warmed up affects how my body uses oxygen. So, it isn't (all) about just muscles getting unkinked.
