I know how to swim, like any normal person; I grew up with a pool and I was always as fast as any person I would race across the pool. I don't know how to REALLY swim. I mean I know no proper strokes (***, butterfly, and so forth), and I've never been around the swimming world. I have a bit of a bum knee that keeps me from running. (I had a track scholarship in college.) I was always athletic, but now I'm an out of shape, 33, stay-at-home mom, and I just want to learn how to swim properly, with the hopes of maybe getting into master's swimming someday. I really miss competition. How do I begin? Do I find a trainer, and if so HOW? Thanks a bunch!
Parents
Former Member
Summertime,
Please see discussion thread "HELP...do I get in shape first" for inspiration.
Just find a local masters team, and join 'em for gosh sakes!! (There are links to dozens of them all over the country on this very site.) Need to learn the strokes? The coach can help you and should have a number of drills that will teach you how. Need to get in shape? Hey, just go to practice and do what you can; conditioning will happen on its own. Need some friends to keep you interested? That would be your teammates. Need a varied workout so it does not turn into same old/same old lap swimming? That's the coach's job. What if everyone will laugh at me or get impatient because I am so slow? See the discussion thread mentioned above.
Other options include adult learn to swim classes. (But, why bother when most of them will futz around with outdated stroke mechanics if you have a masters team around?) You could hire a personal coach, if you can find one. But, they are likely to be more expensive that simply joining the team.
It's not rocket science. Get your USMS card, and jump in.
Matt
Summertime,
Please see discussion thread "HELP...do I get in shape first" for inspiration.
Just find a local masters team, and join 'em for gosh sakes!! (There are links to dozens of them all over the country on this very site.) Need to learn the strokes? The coach can help you and should have a number of drills that will teach you how. Need to get in shape? Hey, just go to practice and do what you can; conditioning will happen on its own. Need some friends to keep you interested? That would be your teammates. Need a varied workout so it does not turn into same old/same old lap swimming? That's the coach's job. What if everyone will laugh at me or get impatient because I am so slow? See the discussion thread mentioned above.
Other options include adult learn to swim classes. (But, why bother when most of them will futz around with outdated stroke mechanics if you have a masters team around?) You could hire a personal coach, if you can find one. But, they are likely to be more expensive that simply joining the team.
It's not rocket science. Get your USMS card, and jump in.
Matt
