https://community.usms.org/swimming/f/general/1410/trying-to-back-into-shapeI just recently started swimming again after 10 years and way too much sedentary life. I&#39;m in terrible shape. I never swam competitively but would eventually like to get in good enough shape to join a masters program. I&#39;ve been swimming for about 2 weeksen-USTelligent Community 12https://community.usms.org/thread/4206?ContentTypeID=1Thu, 17 Oct 2002 15:31:52 GMT3187ac58-ba85-4314-b79a-c45cd885e09a:f5f87ae2-9e89-43be-9b34-0d53759c0cefFormer MemberFWIW, I&#39;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&#39;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&#39;t necessary. Virtually all masters teams will have swimmers at a very wide range of ability levels, and I&#39;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&#39;t actually own a copy (sorry Emmett!) but I looked through one in depth recently, and I bet you&#39;d find Emmett Hines&#39; book Fitness Swimming very useful for your circumstances. See . --Brad<div style="clear:both;"></div>