Hello! I am 42 years old and went through Rec Dept swim lessons in elementary school. I would classify myself as a novice swimmer. I have run for a number of years and would like to switch over to fitness swimming. The main problem I am having is that my technique is only fair mainly because my breathing technique is poor. I recently purchased Jane Katz's book "Swimming for Total Fitness" and I am working my way through the exercises. Our local masters program doesn't seem greatly interested in helping someone such as me along even though I am enthusiastic. The masters program in our area seems to focus on big miles for former competitive swimmers. If I work my way through Jane Katz's book and just keep swimming is this the way to go? I would also travel as necessary to a swimming camp for a few days to a week session if I knew of a good one. I would be interested in any advice more experienced swimmers could provide. Thank You! :)
Many YMCA's and athletic clubs have adult swim lessons. It would really be helpful to take one of those classes so that you can fine tune your technique. You can get alot from some of the swim books, but there is nothing like an instructor or a coach to give you feedback.
Also, most master's teams that I am aware of have a wide variety of skill levels. Find a program in your area that welcomes all swimmers.
Good luck and stick with it. Swimming truely is a lifetime sport!
I swam as a kid and when I decided to return to swimming I started out with Dr. Katz's book also... but soon found out I needed someone to watch what I was doing. No club close enough for me to join. I hired the woman who was known as the best coach in our area. We started out with 1/2 hour sessions about every other week, or until I felt I had mastered what she had taught me in the previous lesson. I practiced every day on my own. We soon moved to 1/2 hour once a week and then to 60 to 90 minutes twice a week. While not cheep, the private lessons and coaching sessions, were the best thing I've ever done for my swimming. Every workout was designed especially for me. Even though she was known as the best coach in our area, the coach I hired was pretty much 'old school' technique, so now I am looking for someone to bring my technique into the modern era. My advice, look around for someone to coach you privately. Keep an eye out for guards at your pool who are giving private lessons or approach the coach of the local master's team. Tell them your goals and see if there is a 'fit' between the two of you. My coach and I became the best of friends, and before she moved she and I were actually swimming workouts together.
Originally posted by Cheesehead Dave
The masters program in our area seems to focus on big miles for former competitive swimmers. This is my main fear as well, which is mainly what keeps me from contacting a local masters team. However, if, as you say, your breathing technique is your sole impediment, try taking a look at the advice given at Emmett Hines' www.h2oustonswims.org/.../waiting_to_inhale.html . This helped me a lot.
