Hello all. I'm not sure there's a "cure" for me here, I just thought I'd share my frustrations with swimming (the small bit of experience I've had) and see what you all thought.
So, First things first, I am not a swimmer. I do not have a swimmer's body. I'm a stout, powerlifter, who these days is overweight as well.
However, even when I was in much trimmer shape, I was never a good swimmer. I actually lack boyency quite a bit. I told a friend of mine how I was far less boyant than the usual person, and they had me lay back and float with their arms below me, and even when my lungs were filled with air to the max, I was sinking.
I'm not sure if this is due to my weight, or having a background in powerlifting, or just a thing that you're born with, but I cannot distance swim because I sink. The only way I can swim are basically sprints, because I have to keep stroking faster and faster to stay above water.
Of course, this causes breathing issues, and water getting into my mouth and throat when I breathe.
I've recently began cardio again, and I've run into some knee issues. So, I've considered getting back into the pool, however, I'm not enthused, given my circumstances.
I mean, it's a furious endeavor for me to swim. I get gassed right away. The farthest I can do is down-back-down-back. I watch these other swimmers just go non-stop, working and stroking but also pacing.
Should I just keep up my clunky, desperate swimming? LOL Have you ever heard of other people who just appear to be human bricks?
Parents
Former Member
Although it is harder to rotate to breath, it is ok to be low in the water and I think you shouldn't waste energy trying to keep yourself afloat. You should try to keep your head all the way under the water which will help give you a better body position. You can also do some of your practice using a pullboy which will help keep your body afloat. I wouldn't use it all the time though or you won't learn proper body position.
Swimsmooth would call your body type "The Arnie" and they have some tips on what to focus on when swimming: www.swimtypes.com/arnie.html
Although it is harder to rotate to breath, it is ok to be low in the water and I think you shouldn't waste energy trying to keep yourself afloat. You should try to keep your head all the way under the water which will help give you a better body position. You can also do some of your practice using a pullboy which will help keep your body afloat. I wouldn't use it all the time though or you won't learn proper body position.
Swimsmooth would call your body type "The Arnie" and they have some tips on what to focus on when swimming: www.swimtypes.com/arnie.html
