in the past--well, actually just about three months ago--I never did stretching. And, if I did it was 1 out of 10 swims...and in slacker style.
Now, after going through physical therapy for 2 months, I am a changed person. Before each swim I do shoulder stretches that my yoga instructor taught me--and also stretch during the swim, and after while in the steam room, or hot tub.
This has kep the pain away.
The thing to remember is that during your first few stretches, muscles are cold, and need to get warm...so don't push the flexability at first...as you stretch, muscles become warmer, and more flexable. Also, I think stretching before, during and after has kept soreness at bay.
;)
Jerrycat
A few minutes in a sauna, steam room or hot tub helps prepare muscles for strenuous excercise.
If the facility doesn't have one of these, I stretch under a hot shower for about ten minutes before entering the pool.
ha ha ha ha ha ,very funny that gareth,made me laugh ,i can just picture the breastroker head up sneaking in when you get out to stretch then you trying to get by him 10 minutes later on his/her second 25m.....lol...ha ha ha ha...
I've always been taught to stretch in the other sports that I've done- however, I don't really stretch before swimming... I do, however, usually do like 900-1200 yds or metres as a warm-up...
I have a stretching routine that i always do before i get into the pool. Mostly taught to me by my Coach back in Canada.
I also stretch after the swim as well. I know that I should warm up in the water and then stretch. However in most pools when you get out of the water to do that you often lose your place in the lane.
There always seems to be some 'Head up breaststroker' or 'double arm backstroker' who seems to be desperate to join the Fast Lane and swim as SLOWLY as possible. They are just waiting for a chance to take your place.
I find that you have to keep them 'Psyched out' by swimming fast with lots of flip turns and Fly.
Sparx 35
Today at my swim a "lady" joined my lane (the Fast Lane) just as I started my 100m Free interval set.
She wore no goggles, and therefore swum with her eyes closed ! She was a "head-up breaststroker" who also swum double arm backstroke flat on her back !
She wandered from one side of the lane to another, she would correct herself when she opened her eyes. For some reason she HAD to swim in the Fast Lane !
You just have to laugh because it is so crazy !
Sparx 35
Today at my swim a "lady" joined my lane (the Fast Lane) just as I started my 100m Free interval set.
She wore no goggles, and therefore swum with her eyes closed ! She was a "head-up breaststroker" who also swum double arm backstroke flat on her back.
She wandered from one side of the lane to another, she would correct herself when she opened her eyes. For some reason she HAD to swim in the Fast Lane !
I suppose it was my fault because i missed the chance to "psych" her out by swimming FLY.
You just have to laugh because it is so crazy !
