I'm a 10 yearish swimmer with a group that does interval training. I generally do 2000-2500 yards 2-3 days a week. I have recently started doing some open water swims (2-3 a summer, 1 mile up to a 5K). In the past have done a spin class 2 days a week. But am location-challenged on getting to a gym so started running on 2 off days and doing some weights at home. But since have started running really feel slow in the pool. Thinking I should put running off until the openwater season over for me (Nov.) Any suggestions for a muscle confusion, cardio workout to compliment swimming?
Yoga
If the running isn't wearing you down perhaps your ankles might need some flexibility
You can also turn weight lifting into aerobic work by not resting between sets (just cycle through the exercises)
I've been researching CrossFit recently, and might throw in 2x per week when I return to the states. It looks like you can do a lot of the workouts (WODs, or Workout of the Day) w/o equipment, or little, like a portable pull-up bar. CrossFit certainly looks like it meets your "muscle confusion, cardio workout" requirement!
What are non-swimming days? :)
Yeah, I hear ya! I love swimming six days/ week :bliss:! And, the only reason I don't swim seven is that I know my body needs rest. But, on Sundays... :bitching: . So, last Sunday, I went down to the pool anyway, grabbed a noodle :afraid:, hopped into the outdoor pool (I train in the indoor pool), and floated around for awhile. :ohyeah:
"Feel" slow, or actually slowing down?
It saddens me that running makes you feel more tired (I LOVE running). For your situations, your best options are either running or calisthenics (body weight-weight lifting).
If you can't get to a gym, calisthenics would be best. Acccording to hard-liners, CrossFit means you need to be doing so at a CrossFit gym, supervised by a CrossFit instructor, in a CrossFit class. But of course, many people still exercise in the CrossFit mindset and methodology. The biggest concern with CrossFit movements, yoga, and the likes is that you need to be careful about performing "complicated" movements on your own where there is a risk of injury.
I still think running is a great option. Just remember that it's cross-training! Go easy! A common mistake is going out to fast, especially if you're new to doing it. True, as a weight-bearing exercise, running is harder on the body than, say spinning, but theoretically, if you're exercise intensity is the same, it won't matter what you do, it'll still make you tired when you swim.
