quick intro/disclaimer... I'm a member of a few forums, motorcycles and cars and a couple others. I am not sure if this will sound like when a guy comes to one of those and says something like, 'Should I wear a helmet?' or something like that.
Regardless, I am here because I want to start swimming for exercise, and I want some advice, basically, on where to start, what to wear maybe, stuff like that.
That sounds dumb even to me, but I don't know what else to say.
I go to a gym and I've been running on a treadmill (I lift weights mostly, but run a little most days for 'cardio' or whatever you want to call it) for a while. I like running, but I always walk past the pool and I'm jealous of the people splashing around in the water. Today, I thought, 'Dude... why don't I swim? It is not hard on my knees, it is better for my whole body than running, I love water... it'd be awesome!'.
So I've been thinking about how to change my routine, all day basically. Tomorrow I am not lifting weights, so I might go to the gym pool for a swim, if I can decide what my routine might be.
Like I said, I like water. I'm a fine swimmer, for an average human man, 34 years old, 6' 4", 195 lbs, decent shape. But I've never been taught how to swim by anybody, never done it except for fun in a lake/pool/ocean.
So, I think I need some goggles - what brand should I get? Should I spend lots of money to get nice ones?
I don't want to wear 'trunks', but I'm not really excited about Speedo briefs either... so are there skin-tight swimming shorts that are cool?
If I just swim laps doing freestyle for 20-30 minutes, is that a cool workout, mostly for cardiovascular exercise, but also to help my muscles?
If there are stickys, or links to beginner sites, or anything else, I'd appreciate more info.
Thanks if anybody will help point me in the right direction.
So yeah, swimming is tiring, haha. And yeah, kicking all the time is pretty tough, after a couple laps I usually have to really try hard to make myself keep kicking, not just pull with my arms.
Hardest thing is breathing though. I can't get any rhythm, I try to breathe with my strokes but I suck at it and half the time I just hold my breath until I can't go anymore.
There is a lot of technique to learn.
Ideally, you shouldn't have to kick hard to keep your body position correct - it should be balancing from the core. Many new swimmers over kick (and kick from the knees instead of the hip). That uses a lot more oxygen and will make you tire faster. If you can work on balancing in the water that will help: www.youtube.com/watch
You also want to learn to relax and breathe normally (like you would on land - not holding your breath). You can practice by staying near the wall and going underwater - letting yourself relax and sink as you exhale - then come up for a breath after you've fully exhaled. Repeat the process until you feel like you are breathing normally and in a rhythm. Once you learn how to balance your body and relax your breathing will get a little easier.
Like you said - technique is key. Swimming with a coach is great because you have someone there to make more direct corrections and suggestions. Good luck!!!
So yeah, swimming is tiring, haha. And yeah, kicking all the time is pretty tough, after a couple laps I usually have to really try hard to make myself keep kicking, not just pull with my arms.
Hardest thing is breathing though. I can't get any rhythm, I try to breathe with my strokes but I suck at it and half the time I just hold my breath until I can't go anymore.
There is a lot of technique to learn.
Ideally, you shouldn't have to kick hard to keep your body position correct - it should be balancing from the core. Many new swimmers over kick (and kick from the knees instead of the hip). That uses a lot more oxygen and will make you tire faster. If you can work on balancing in the water that will help: www.youtube.com/watch
You also want to learn to relax and breathe normally (like you would on land - not holding your breath). You can practice by staying near the wall and going underwater - letting yourself relax and sink as you exhale - then come up for a breath after you've fully exhaled. Repeat the process until you feel like you are breathing normally and in a rhythm. Once you learn how to balance your body and relax your breathing will get a little easier.
Like you said - technique is key. Swimming with a coach is great because you have someone there to make more direct corrections and suggestions. Good luck!!!
