New Swimmer

RE: New Swimmer

Former Member — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 16:28:55 GMT

Just a thought, but having your legs float up (I get that, as I'm a big gal), coupled with breaststroke has got to be putting some strain on your back, so be mindful of that. Have you tried freestyle yet? I'm a big fan of that stroke and using a swim snorkel as you're adjusting to it. Others do not care for the snorkels, but I have a bunged up neck so it's a must for me.

RE: New Swimmer

ssumargo — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 12:22:00 GMT

Hello! Welcome to the world of swimming! 1) I can't comment on this one, my legs do sink a little when my head is up for air. This was the case as well when I was at my heaviest (~ 3 months after giving birth to my 3rd kid). 2) I don't think you should judge how much calories you are burning based on your soreness. The first few days of swimming after a very long hiatus, I was sore. But since then, no matter how much more I've been swimming, I don't get sore. I get "happy tired" instead. I assume it is because I am using the same muscles each time. I don't know how long or often you are currently swimming, but you may want to consider doing intervals at different speeds. It gets the heart pumping. Ever since I've started swimming regularly, I feel happier, my clothes fit better, even though my weight is not on the number range I wanted it to be. So I've stopped weighing myself and I've stopped counting calories. I have a garmin swim watch. It determines the stroke, the lap count and calculates the estimated calories burnt. You might find it useful.

RE: New Swimmer

Elaine Krugman — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 05:57:53 GMT

Welcome, SwimSwam! :welcome: It is true that obese or overweight people float easier than people with less fat, so this could contribute to your body position when you are swimming breaststroke. Having said that, using proper stroke technique is the most important factor in swimming properly. The only way any of us Forumites would know what to advise is to see your breaststroke technique. Could you have somebody shoot a video clip of you swimming? If so, post it on YouTube, and then include the link on this thread. Once we see your breaststroke in action, we'll be able to give you advise. :agree: Good luck! :cheerleader: