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 do know that whenever I first start swimming, as I reach about 100 yards, I start to tighten up and feel like I'm struggling, until I reach about 150 yards, and then I begin to loosen up. This does not happen between sets or events after I've warmed up; it only seems to occur when I first start to swim. I believe it is my body adjusting oxygen intake to lactic acid production, as I move from the initial anaerobic energy zone and into the aerobic zone. Swimming over 200 yards in a warm up is therefore important for me.
YES! I noticed this phenomenon in my own life, while running distance. I'd feel pretty crummy right near the start of a run, but then I'd keep going and realize I was feeling pretty good.
I agree that for each individual, these things will probably vary.
Thanks for your thoughts!
I do know that whenever I first start swimming, as I reach about 100 yards, I start to tighten up and feel like I'm struggling, until I reach about 150 yards, and then I begin to loosen up. This does not happen between sets or events after I've warmed up; it only seems to occur when I first start to swim. I believe it is my body adjusting oxygen intake to lactic acid production, as I move from the initial anaerobic energy zone and into the aerobic zone. Swimming over 200 yards in a warm up is therefore important for me.
YES! I noticed this phenomenon in my own life, while running distance. I'd feel pretty crummy right near the start of a run, but then I'd keep going and realize I was feeling pretty good.
I agree that for each individual, these things will probably vary.
Thanks for your thoughts!
