Not 100% sure this is the best place for advice. However, I’ve yet to find another forum.
I am 45/F, used to swim competitively from Jr High - early college. The work and life got in the way. Five years ago I injured my back and now have disc degeneration in my lower back. Two years ago I got back in the pool and eventually went from 2 laps to 50 (25 yard pool). Then really got to feeling better about my swim and back after a year of sticking to it. Then work got in the way again and I didn’t put in the time like I did for a year and had another disc blow out. So on 11/20/18 I had a back surgery and 12/19 made it back in the pool. I’ve been swimming every day since aside from one day off each week.
I am starting over again, can only get to about 850 yards and (3) sets of 15 ladder pools before I run Out of gas. Today, after my swim, my whole body is aching. I swim at my gym pool, which is indoors and at about 77*.
This brings me to these boards looking for advice.
Am I doing too much at once?
And any other suggestions you have are appreciated!
Perhaps you should try doing open turns instead of flip turns while you get started. Sometimes the torque on the flip (as you twist off the wall) can inflame your back. Also make your you are stretching afterwards, and focus on ab strengthening exercises. Welcome back!
Oh yeah...there are no flip turns in my current or immediate future!
I did one when I first got back in the pool and I felt that hurt immediately!
my turns are a bit of a tuck and turn. When I hit end of the pool, I hold the edge with both hands, tuck both legs and pivot. It doesn’t have any pain or weird feelings, so hopefully it’s ok.
My frustration right now, is I can’t get above 850 yards, granted I started at much less. And I still don’t feel stronger in my back. I’ve been dedicated with swimming again since 12/19. I eat a healthy early lunch about an hour before going and drink a protein mix with water shake on my way to the gym, so about 20 minutes prior.
Perhaps you should try doing open turns instead of flip turns while you get started. Sometimes the torque on the flip (as you twist off the wall) can inflame your back. Also make your you are stretching afterwards, and focus on ab strengthening exercises. Welcome back!
Oh yeah...there are no flip turns in my current or immediate future!
I did one when I first got back in the pool and I felt that hurt immediately!
my turns are a bit of a tuck and turn. When I hit end of the pool, I hold the edge with both hands, tuck both legs and pivot. It doesn’t have any pain or weird feelings, so hopefully it’s ok.
My frustration right now, is I can’t get above 850 yards, granted I started at much less. And I still don’t feel stronger in my back. I’ve been dedicated with swimming again since 12/19. I eat a healthy early lunch about an hour before going and drink a protein mix with water shake on my way to the gym, so about 20 minutes prior.
