Beginner Update

RE: Beginner Update

Former Member — Sat, 20 Nov 2004 14:35:02 GMT

Good luck with the instructor. And stick with it. Swimming is great in so many ways. For me, it has changed my life. I have lost (and kept off) 35 lbs. I used to get back aches - but no more. Now, I have thrown in some running and biking - even did a triathlon. But I am a swimmer who runs and bikes once in a while. Actually, once I got in shape for swimming, I had more than enough endurance for the bike/run. Also, you said you would drop weightlifting for swimming. My suggestion is to not drop the weights - instead, alter your workout routine to help with your swimming. I'm sure your gf lifts weights as part of her college training. Again - stick with it, you'll be glad you did.

RE: Beginner Update

Former Member — Fri, 19 Nov 2004 16:07:42 GMT

I think it is so amazing that you are taking these steps to learning how to swim. Most adults, if they are scared and can not do something, they avoid it at all cost. It looks like you are taking all the right steps. Best of luck in your lesson. Just relax and remember one step at a time. (or should I say stroke)

RE: Beginner Update

Former Member — Fri, 19 Nov 2004 13:54:31 GMT

Well to everyones that has helped me. I appreciate so much the nice and thoughtfulness of this board, it has helped me so much, however I surfed around yesterday and I have found a guy about 25 minutes from where I live and I e-mailed him. He is 62 years old and has been teaching swimming for 28 years. And I have got a PRIVATE LESSON tommorrow morning at 10am-noon time, I am very excited. On the other hand I am very nervous as well. He says he has a indoor pool, and he keeps it heated at 85 degrees, so I hope that will be warm enough for me to swim in. He said that I will be able to breath under water when I leave there. He seemed so confident. I told him about my fear of the water, and he just lauged and said "Derek I have heard that all of my life, I see people like you ever day" I just thought that was a little intimdating thats all. I hope to be able to over come this, and he guranteed me that if I was to come for another 2 more private lessons, He guranteed me that I would be able to swim the full length of his pool, which is regulation size pool. He said if not then I will refund your $$$ P.S. how can he be so confident, thanks again for everything, and I hope to update soon. -Viper

RE: Beginner Update

dorothyrde — Fri, 19 Nov 2004 10:15:49 GMT

It sounds like he has a lot of experience teaching people who have a fear and knows how to deal with it. This sounds like a very good thing for you. I hope he helps you out, good luck.

RE: Beginner Update

Former Member — Fri, 19 Nov 2004 06:38:40 GMT

And think of how much you'll learn and be able to show your girlfriend when she gets back!! She will be very impressed! ~Kyra

RE: Beginner Update

Former Member — Fri, 19 Nov 2004 06:25:45 GMT

85 degrees should be nice and warm. The pool I swim in is right around the same temp and I never have a problem getting into the pool to start my routine. Congrats on taking the steps to get started on becoming a swimmer. Before long you'll probably be impossible to keep out of the water and you'll start growing dorsal fins and gills. Have fun!

RE: Beginner Update

Former Member — Fri, 19 Nov 2004 06:01:52 GMT

Good for you! I think you are doing the right thing by getting a professional instructor to help you! You'll do great! Hang in there! Heidi

RE: Beginner Update

Former Member — Thu, 18 Nov 2004 17:26:43 GMT

This may sound childish and stupid, but I did it when I was learnign to swim. I practiced my bubbles in the tub. I would fill up the tub, then lay on my stomach and practice blowing bubbles through my noise and mouth. It helped me also because I could put my whole face/head. Then when you feel comfortable you can take what you learned about how your body reacts to water to the pool with you. ~Kyra p.s. If the pool is REALLY cold, you won't be able to blow bubbles no matter how hard you try. That has happened to me in like lakes and stuff before, then you get a bunch of nasty fish water in your noise. YUCK!!

RE: Beginner Update

Former Member — Thu, 18 Nov 2004 16:22:52 GMT

Originally posted by viper10139 I would do anything, and I mean anything. Consider taking a few lessons from a professional swim instructor. Ideally, look for a Total Immersion Certified instructor in your area. Or contact a swim coach in your area and ask about lessons.

RE: Beginner Update

dorothyrde — Thu, 18 Nov 2004 12:33:19 GMT

At our Y they have adult lessons just for people who are highly afraid of water. Their goal is to get over the fear first and then you can learn to swim. Your GF is great for helping you, but since she has been a swimmer all her life she may not understand this fear, even though she tries. My husband always had a fear of deep water and it took someone else helping to get over it. Good luck and it takes a lot of courage to do what you are trying to do!

RE: Beginner Update

Former Member — Thu, 18 Nov 2004 08:52:59 GMT

Spend some time visualizing yourself being relaxed, and comfortable in the water. Take your learning slow bit by bit put the pieces together, and you will be totally at ease very soon. Enjoy the learning process, think of it as a journey, because I think the journeys, when you look back, are the enjoyable times in life. My most cherished memories are the ones where I really struggled with something and over came the struggles. You will do awesome, enjoy the water, and have fun, bacause swimming really does rock!