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
Hi Dan,
I am glad you did not take my post wrong LOL. I know I was ranting far beyond what you were asking about.
Good news from the Doctor too I see. Excellent. But it may flare up for no reason from time to time. Whenever mine did, I just stayed away from paddles, kickboards and side stroke for a couple of days- anything that would put me at risk for straining it a bit too much.
As for all natural food supplements, I see nothing wrong with that. I do not use them myself, but with care I imagine such things can be good.
I would just ask two questions when considering something,
1. What exactly is in there and what does the product promise you? There will always be a few wierd things just to preserve the stuff in pill form, but check the label carefully and look into medical studies. After all, creatine is derived from a natural food too :)
2. What gap is it filling in your diet? If taking the supplement just helps you be sure you round out your daily intake of crucial minerals and vitamins, go for it. I take a vitamin pill on days when I am not able to eat exactly what I think I should. But if you are taking a big protein supplement because you do not eat a lot of protein, it may be better to try and increase your intake from the food you eat.
Just my humble opinion :) FWIW I should note that I am one of those purist types. I do eat out sometimes (all the time when I was traveling), but when I cook at home all veggies are fresh or frozen, and there are no TV dinners, prepackaged foods or the like served here. The only thing that comes in a can is tuna- which is thoroughly drained and pressed prior to eating. No prepackaged lunch meats or anything processed and boxed either. So I am definitely a lot more fanatical than most people.
Tom.
Hi Dan,
I am glad you did not take my post wrong LOL. I know I was ranting far beyond what you were asking about.
Good news from the Doctor too I see. Excellent. But it may flare up for no reason from time to time. Whenever mine did, I just stayed away from paddles, kickboards and side stroke for a couple of days- anything that would put me at risk for straining it a bit too much.
As for all natural food supplements, I see nothing wrong with that. I do not use them myself, but with care I imagine such things can be good.
I would just ask two questions when considering something,
1. What exactly is in there and what does the product promise you? There will always be a few wierd things just to preserve the stuff in pill form, but check the label carefully and look into medical studies. After all, creatine is derived from a natural food too :)
2. What gap is it filling in your diet? If taking the supplement just helps you be sure you round out your daily intake of crucial minerals and vitamins, go for it. I take a vitamin pill on days when I am not able to eat exactly what I think I should. But if you are taking a big protein supplement because you do not eat a lot of protein, it may be better to try and increase your intake from the food you eat.
Just my humble opinion :) FWIW I should note that I am one of those purist types. I do eat out sometimes (all the time when I was traveling), but when I cook at home all veggies are fresh or frozen, and there are no TV dinners, prepackaged foods or the like served here. The only thing that comes in a can is tuna- which is thoroughly drained and pressed prior to eating. No prepackaged lunch meats or anything processed and boxed either. So I am definitely a lot more fanatical than most people.
Tom.
