Ok, I know this problem has probably been tackeled before but I could use some advice for my own personal benifit. I'm 19 and about 50 lbs overweight. I'm 5'3 and weigh 190. I'm not horribly ashamed of my body or anything like that. But I do know that I am horribly out of shape. Ever since I was a kid I've loved to swim and when I was in 6th grade I finally got some training to learn the proper strokes. Durning that time I lost my baby fat and was in better shape than I have been in since. I joined the swimming team my freshman year and got all the way through the training season before I had to quit (due to my slack in grades). I've tried different work out routines, excercise videos, etc. But nothing has worked as well as swimming has. I am again going to start swimming to get into shape but I don't feel I'm ready to begin joining anything like masters. Does anyone have any suggestions for good swimming workouts that I could do 3-4 days a week that will get me back in shape and ready to join something like masters for competitions. Thanks to anyone who can help.
Parents
Former Member
Penni-
I would recommend that you talk with a health professional that you trust. I was almost 60-70 lbs over where I ought to be, and the doctor made a recommendation to a low carb/no carb change in nutrition. Much to my surprise (because I had never believed that dietary reasons was a factor in my situation) I dropped nearly all the weight. Now, I urge anyone that asks me about what I recommend, I say to go talk to a health professional first. Such a lifestyle change is not appropriate for everyone, and can be very dangerous, too. But back to swimming, I found it much more enjoyable to practice again (when I could break from coaching) without the fear, anxiety, and excuses that I would make--- from what I would attribute to self-conciousness on weight situation. As far as team involvement goes, Kim says it all, don't wait to join a masters group, run to them. They will be your best bet when it comes to sustaining swimming, being a constant support group, and the coaching (if available).
Coach Brad
Penni-
I would recommend that you talk with a health professional that you trust. I was almost 60-70 lbs over where I ought to be, and the doctor made a recommendation to a low carb/no carb change in nutrition. Much to my surprise (because I had never believed that dietary reasons was a factor in my situation) I dropped nearly all the weight. Now, I urge anyone that asks me about what I recommend, I say to go talk to a health professional first. Such a lifestyle change is not appropriate for everyone, and can be very dangerous, too. But back to swimming, I found it much more enjoyable to practice again (when I could break from coaching) without the fear, anxiety, and excuses that I would make--- from what I would attribute to self-conciousness on weight situation. As far as team involvement goes, Kim says it all, don't wait to join a masters group, run to them. They will be your best bet when it comes to sustaining swimming, being a constant support group, and the coaching (if available).
Coach Brad
