I got back into swimming about a year ago. An initial problem that hit me was a sore left shoulder. I concentrate hard on good form and stretch always before and after workouts, as well as do some weightlifting for strengthening the shoulder. I had broken my left collar bone 11 years ago and am convinced it's a result of my left shoulder being not as strong as than my right shoulder. The problem I was having was poor recovery after workouts of the one shoulder. Someone suggested to me to try Creatine after workouts to improve recovery. I took that advice and started doing a dose after workouts (taking 1/3 the recommended dose). It did wonders in my recovery. However, since then I've read in articles that Creatine appears to be controversial as to whether it's good or bad for you. Your feedback, good or bad, on the use of any supplements would be very helpful. Are some supplements recommended? Should you try to do without them? If you don't use any supplements, what are other ways to help recovery after a workout? I'm about to shift into doing 2 swim workouts a day and know just Gatorade won't cut it. Thank you!
Dan
Parents
Former Member
Interesting thread here.
I would just like to say that in general I tend to be very wary of any supplements or magic pills of any kind.
I too have had a rather nasty shoulder injury in the past, but it does not bother me now. I never took any supplements either. I just learned to work around and it in the short term and respect it in the long term. It was about 4 years before it competelely 100% disappeared, but by that time I was already swimming at full capacity.
I just learned to not use paddles for a while, and then later to just use them sparingly and go slow. And on days when the shoulder acted up for no reason, I kept a close eye on it in workouts- focusing on things that would disrupt it as little as possible. And I can safely say that while it impacted my ability to bench press, it never had a serious impact on my swimming.
Now it is completely gone, thankfully, but for a minor injury it was surprising to me just how long it would make its presence known- even though in a minor sense.
As for pills and supplements, or anything of that type. I just don't buy it. I never have, and if you look at the many "magic pills" that have hit the scene only to prove to have nasty side effects, I think that is the way to approach it.
This is not just true for swimming, but for anything- diet pills, muscle enhancers, performance boosters etc. etc.
If a person is willing to make a concerted effort and be patient with their body, there is no need IMHO to go outside of a normal diet with basic nutritional supplements as needed. Sports drinks and the like are certainly good things, but the minute you start getting into pills and creams that promise the world, I think you ask for trouble.
Besides, where is the fun in winning any competition using such things- legal or not? I would consider such victories quite hollow indeed. This is outside the scope of your original question I know, but I think it applies in a general sense. It is a very slippery slope. Many people get into using improper enhancers by first properly using things to repair injuries that they discover have given them an unexpected competitive edge. I am not saying you would, mind you, just offering a big picture idea of what I think of things like creatine.
My advice? Give yourself some time. Be aware of what is going on with your shoulder and find a way to work with that limitation. It is possible I think in most cases to do that. If it is not, then perhaps a visit to the doctor will help. I would certainly advise doing that before diving into the minefield of over the counter remedies.
Just my 2 cents :)
Tom.
Interesting thread here.
I would just like to say that in general I tend to be very wary of any supplements or magic pills of any kind.
I too have had a rather nasty shoulder injury in the past, but it does not bother me now. I never took any supplements either. I just learned to work around and it in the short term and respect it in the long term. It was about 4 years before it competelely 100% disappeared, but by that time I was already swimming at full capacity.
I just learned to not use paddles for a while, and then later to just use them sparingly and go slow. And on days when the shoulder acted up for no reason, I kept a close eye on it in workouts- focusing on things that would disrupt it as little as possible. And I can safely say that while it impacted my ability to bench press, it never had a serious impact on my swimming.
Now it is completely gone, thankfully, but for a minor injury it was surprising to me just how long it would make its presence known- even though in a minor sense.
As for pills and supplements, or anything of that type. I just don't buy it. I never have, and if you look at the many "magic pills" that have hit the scene only to prove to have nasty side effects, I think that is the way to approach it.
This is not just true for swimming, but for anything- diet pills, muscle enhancers, performance boosters etc. etc.
If a person is willing to make a concerted effort and be patient with their body, there is no need IMHO to go outside of a normal diet with basic nutritional supplements as needed. Sports drinks and the like are certainly good things, but the minute you start getting into pills and creams that promise the world, I think you ask for trouble.
Besides, where is the fun in winning any competition using such things- legal or not? I would consider such victories quite hollow indeed. This is outside the scope of your original question I know, but I think it applies in a general sense. It is a very slippery slope. Many people get into using improper enhancers by first properly using things to repair injuries that they discover have given them an unexpected competitive edge. I am not saying you would, mind you, just offering a big picture idea of what I think of things like creatine.
My advice? Give yourself some time. Be aware of what is going on with your shoulder and find a way to work with that limitation. It is possible I think in most cases to do that. If it is not, then perhaps a visit to the doctor will help. I would certainly advise doing that before diving into the minefield of over the counter remedies.
Just my 2 cents :)
Tom.
