I started swimming in April.
I am 52 and am not a thing of beauty in the water. I am slow, I can only breathe on my right side, and usually getting kicked by other swimmers when I have to share lanes. (Which I am not sure is normal? But it does take some getting used to...)
When I cannot get to the pool I facilitate with a Schwinn Aridyne, or lifting on a Soloflex.
Growing up in the Sierra foothills I swam a lot as a kid (not anything organized), but this has been a real eye opener in terms of a "different" kind of fit. I thought I was in shape because I was piling up miles on the Airdyne, my first time in the pool I had to grab the side after the first half lap. I can freestyle for an hour now (I have no idea how many laps...).
I am thinking of getting lessons at the local university (where I swim). But all in all, it has been a great challenge for me.
But all in all, it has been a great challenge for me.
You're not alone. I think you've discovered what others who are otherwise in good physical fitness find when they come into swimming. When I was on active duty in the Navy I was frequently assigned as my unit's fitness coordinator, responsible for overseeing semi-annual fitness exams. Occasionally, folks who were otherwise in good physical condition would attempt to do the 500yd swim, instead of the 1.5 mile run, for their test -- and they'd fail. Oh sure...they were in shape, and could 'swim'...but they weren't a "swimmer" and figured they could just "muscle" their way through the 500 yards...to discover surprisingly at about 100 yards that they couldn't make it. They didn't realize the technique that really goes into it. So just keep with it, get some lessons, and it will become easier for you with time and practice. Good luck.
Dan
But all in all, it has been a great challenge for me.
You're not alone. I think you've discovered what others who are otherwise in good physical fitness find when they come into swimming. When I was on active duty in the Navy I was frequently assigned as my unit's fitness coordinator, responsible for overseeing semi-annual fitness exams. Occasionally, folks who were otherwise in good physical condition would attempt to do the 500yd swim, instead of the 1.5 mile run, for their test -- and they'd fail. Oh sure...they were in shape, and could 'swim'...but they weren't a "swimmer" and figured they could just "muscle" their way through the 500 yards...to discover surprisingly at about 100 yards that they couldn't make it. They didn't realize the technique that really goes into it. So just keep with it, get some lessons, and it will become easier for you with time and practice. Good luck.
Dan
