I just recently started swimming again after 10 years and way too much sedentary life. I'm in terrible shape. I never swam competitively but would eventually like to get in good enough shape to join a masters program. I've been swimming for about 2 weeks now and it feels good but I'd like to add a bit of structure to my swimming so I can achieve my goals. Does anyone have a very slow starting program I can work with? Thanks in advance.
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Former Member
FWIW, I'm also just getting back in shape after a long (15 year) absence from swimming. I started back in July... and, boy, a few months can make a big difference! The first six weeks or so were painful, but that stage passes quickly enough, and now I'm feeling good and really enjoying myself. In an informal recent time trial my 100 free time was only 4 seconds or so off my lifetime best, a development which I found encouraging.
I did a little bit of what you are suggesting -- swam on my own before joining a masters team -- but it really isn't necessary. Virtually all masters teams will have swimmers at a very wide range of ability levels, and I'm sure you would be warmly welcomed if you join immediately. For me, swimming with a team is exponentially better than swimming on my own (more fun, I get a much better workout, etc.).
You asked about resources... I don't actually own a copy (sorry Emmett!) but I looked through one in depth recently, and I bet you'd find Emmett Hines' book Fitness Swimming very useful for your circumstances. See .
--Brad
FWIW, I'm also just getting back in shape after a long (15 year) absence from swimming. I started back in July... and, boy, a few months can make a big difference! The first six weeks or so were painful, but that stage passes quickly enough, and now I'm feeling good and really enjoying myself. In an informal recent time trial my 100 free time was only 4 seconds or so off my lifetime best, a development which I found encouraging.
I did a little bit of what you are suggesting -- swam on my own before joining a masters team -- but it really isn't necessary. Virtually all masters teams will have swimmers at a very wide range of ability levels, and I'm sure you would be warmly welcomed if you join immediately. For me, swimming with a team is exponentially better than swimming on my own (more fun, I get a much better workout, etc.).
You asked about resources... I don't actually own a copy (sorry Emmett!) but I looked through one in depth recently, and I bet you'd find Emmett Hines' book Fitness Swimming very useful for your circumstances. See .
--Brad
