Good morning,
Just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Deb aka EboniWave. I'm a new swimmer with about eight months of experience under my belt. other than learning some basics, floating and treading water as a kid, as an adult swimmer I'm pretty much self taught. I can now make it 25 yards without being totally out of breathe. But can't seem to make any significant progress with my breathing or form or technique.
So that’s where I am today. My goal is to make swimming a viable cardio exercise that’s fun and enjoyable. I also need a form of cardio as an alternative to running that is non weight bearing and can take the stress off my feet, knees and joints. I had someone take another video of me this past Sunday, and I can now see some improvement. But here’s what I THINK is going on, and this is what I THINK I need help with:
· I’m still lifting my head to high to breathe, which makes me sink low and work harder
· Still kicking from the knee too much
· Maybe I’m OVER rotating on each stroke
· I drag my left arm, and my left arm crosses my body under the water
· Stroke over 25 yards very inconsistent (both arms)
https:youtu.be/hiWLu_adte8
last year (December)
https://youtu.be/3bJrufWPyFc
Last month
https://youtu.be/7J9GEsCcXek
taken last Sunday
I’d really appreaciate it if someone would comment and critique my video. I've included all three for comparison with where I started and where I am now. I’ll start attending local Master’s sessions in January. In the meantime, it would really be great if I could get some tips to work on SOMETHING to improve before then.
Thanks very much.
EboniWave
You're welcome, Deb!
Actually from above, the two of you look a lot alike when you swim! I'm glad it helped knowing you aren't alone. ;)
Another thing to be aware of when you feel like your legs are dropping is to engage your core muscles (suck in your stomach!). This will help bring your hips up higher towards the surface. Actually, your core muscles should always been engaged, and you should rotate from your core when you turn to breathe.
Regarding videos, you're right. There are many approaches coaches and instructors use, and you have to find the approach that works best for you. Two different instructors could tell you basically the same thing but in different ways. Your response to the first one could be, "Huh???", and your response to the second instructor could be, "Aha!" Sometimes, it just clicks!
Once you find a video you like, search for others by the same person. Total Immersion might work for some, and Go Swim for others. I find that I can find a nugget in videos by a variety of instructors and coaches.
Does your Y offer intermediate classes that go beyond those boring basics? If so, perhaps you can give one a try. You would get more stroke instruction that you can carry into your Masters workouts. As an alternative, you might want to see if you can find an instructor at the Y to hire by the hour for personalized instruction. Your Masters coach may be available on a private basis.
Keep us posted on this thread on how things are going. Good luck!
You're welcome, Deb!
Actually from above, the two of you look a lot alike when you swim! I'm glad it helped knowing you aren't alone. ;)
Another thing to be aware of when you feel like your legs are dropping is to engage your core muscles (suck in your stomach!). This will help bring your hips up higher towards the surface. Actually, your core muscles should always been engaged, and you should rotate from your core when you turn to breathe.
Regarding videos, you're right. There are many approaches coaches and instructors use, and you have to find the approach that works best for you. Two different instructors could tell you basically the same thing but in different ways. Your response to the first one could be, "Huh???", and your response to the second instructor could be, "Aha!" Sometimes, it just clicks!
Once you find a video you like, search for others by the same person. Total Immersion might work for some, and Go Swim for others. I find that I can find a nugget in videos by a variety of instructors and coaches.
Does your Y offer intermediate classes that go beyond those boring basics? If so, perhaps you can give one a try. You would get more stroke instruction that you can carry into your Masters workouts. As an alternative, you might want to see if you can find an instructor at the Y to hire by the hour for personalized instruction. Your Masters coach may be available on a private basis.
Keep us posted on this thread on how things are going. Good luck!
