Hello - this is my first post as I stumbled across this website while looking for workouts.
A little bit about myself....I am 44 years old and have been away from swimming (or any kind of real phsycial activity) for a number of years. I swam competitively as a youth, in high school and in college. I was swimming with a masters team, but felt the workouts were geared towards those interested in competing. The rest of us were just sort of thrown in a lane together!!
4 months ago I decided to lose weight and get back in shape. Although I walk almost daily, I missed swimming. I just discovered that the local community pool has lap swimming 3 days a week and water aerobics 2 days a week. Perfect!!
The first week I swam the following:
200 free swim; 2 free kick
200 back swim; 200 back kick
200 free swim; 200 free kick
200 *** swim; 200 *** kick
200 free swim; 200 free back
The problem is....where to go from here. I am looking for any advice, suggestions, etc. on where to take my workouts from here.
My goal is continue on my own through the summer, take a swimming class (where I can do laps) at the local community college, and then join the masters program (when I feel I can keep up). I am hesitant to join the masters now, as I feel I may get discouraged.
As I said, any suggestions, advice, workouts anyone can offer would be greatly appreciated.
Former Member
There is a book you can buy called "The Fit Swimmer." It is excellent for getting into shape, and there are workouts in there geared toward your own individual style/length of workout, etc. I bought it about 2 years ago, and I don't know what I would do without it.
Check out this website: There is a picture of the book and a description.
www.amazon.com/.../104-0247215-9063105
Take care,
Beckie
Hi ya!
Welcome back to swimming!
This website can be very useful for training programmes and I also would recommend Trinewbies' swimming workouts (www.trinewbies.com/2Swim.htm). They have a wide variety of workouts, ranging from beginner to advanced.
Once you can swim between 1500-2000 m/yds, I would also suggest that you check out your local Masters team. As you've already swam Masters before, so I'm sure you know what they are like; however, I would also add that they do accommodate a variety of swimmers and will get you up to par, so to speak, perhaps quicker than training on your own.
One last thing- don't do too much too soon!
Good luck with it and happy swimming...
You might also want to check out the "workout" thread on this site. there are lots of hints, tips and workout routines to choose from. I think you can find something that would fit your your skill level at this point, and grow with the others that are offered.
Also look at the "triathlon" threads for other ideas.
I too am returning to swimming after a long hiatus, and am so thrilled to have found this site which is abundant with knowledgeable people freely and happily sharing their expertise with all of us.
Happy swimming, Nancy
Lap swim just three days a week? You see. That's one of the biggest problems people face when trying to work swimming into their daily itinerary. I have the same problem. It's hard to get to the pool when it's open for lap swim.
Most facilities with a swimming pool are geared toward children and families. And even when they do have so-called lap swim, they always keep two or three lanes open for people who just float and splash in the pool.
If you've made it this far, then (IMHO) you've already discovered one fantastic resource for swimming, whether you want to compete again or not. I've found some excellent workouts on this site that are easy to adapt to fit my schedule and workout goals.
Like you, I'm returning from a lengthy hiatus — though I never competed — and so far have found that this site has broad appeal for every level of swimmer.
Finally, I think that your idea to take a swimming class is a good one. If nothing else, classes will give you a refresher on proper technique and make you more aware of your stroke. With that, you may find yourself meeting your goals faster than you think.
Sparky
P.S. A note on pools: We have a public pool a few blocks from my house that has extremely limited lap swim times. As such, it's jam-packed anytime I try to go. Instead I joined a health club with a short (20-yard) pool that almost nobody uses. It makes it tougher to do conventional workouts, but on the other hand I can take as long as I want. :)
Terry,
It is terrific to be back in the sport isn't it? For workouts, I've just relied on the workout section of this site...and have found that the ZEN MILE is terrific, and a whole lot of fun. Also, as someone suggested earlier, the presribed workouts are really great as well. They provide A+ recomendations, and are no brainers--just follow, or adapt the mileage as necessary.
Have a great time!
Jerrycat ;)
Just remember to have fun and everything will fall into place. Don't be hesitant about joining the local masters team. It is a great opportunity to meet new people and have someone to swim with. I wouldn't get discouraged about not feeling up to par, you know why your there....why care what everyone else is thinking. If joining a team is something you want to do. Do it. Dont let fear stand in the way.
Good Luck!
