Weight loss and swim times

Melissa, I am fairly new to swimming, starting 4 years ago at age 38. I was at 180 when I started, and learned to swim, and train around that weight. 1.5 years ago I got serious about losing weight, and have dropped to around 145 and yes it seemed to make a BIG difference in my times. However, I don't know if that was due to the weight drop or learning better stroke technique. Honestly, I think it was a little of both. Julie if you are not doing strength training, I highly recommend it. The intervals you are adding will help rev up your metabolism, but so will added muscle mass. Not to mention the protection you give your bones. I have been lifting weights for over 20 years, and really believe it helps lose weight and then it helps to keep the weight off. Plus you can weigh more and wear a smaller size. I also think the strength I have protects from injury, except on days like today when I slipped off the block and bruised my shins, OUCH.

Melissa, I am fairly new to swimming, starting 4 years ago at age 38. I was at 180 when I started, and learned to swim, and train around that weight. 1.5 years ago I got serious about losing weight, and have dropped to around 145 and yes it seemed to make a BIG difference in my times. However, I don't know if that was due to the weight drop or learning better stroke technique. Honestly, I think it was a little of both. Julie if you are not doing strength training, I highly recommend it. The intervals you are adding will help rev up your metabolism, but so will added muscle mass. Not to mention the protection you give your bones. I have been lifting weights for over 20 years, and really believe it helps lose weight and then it helps to keep the weight off. Plus you can weigh more and wear a smaller size. I also think the strength I have protects from injury, except on days like today when I slipped off the block and bruised my shins, OUCH.