Different Strokes

IQ, Here's the only "stat" that matters. You will consume more calories doing something you enjoy than doing something you hate. We're all grown-ups. We are all swimming because we want to. I guarantee you that once swimming for fitness becomes a chore instead of a joy, you will find some reason, excuse, etc. for doing less of it. With a time horizon of "lifetime fitness plan" instead of "breaking this personal record at next Feb's Championship," your perspective on your "training" almost has to change radically, or you'll burn yourself out before you wear out even one swim suit or pair of goggles. So...find the stroke you like. It does not matter if it is ***, fly, back, free, IM, sidestroke or dogpaddle (but I'm betting the last one will get real tiresome real fast), and do most of your swimming in that stroke. Dabble with the others to the extent you find them enjoyable. Find a group of congenial swimmers to share your workout (and cameraderie, etc. etc.) If you are interested in competition, swim the races you really like or intrigue you, and dabble in other strokes and events to the extent you enjoy the experience. Keep it fun; do what pleases you (not your coach, your teammates, your family, or your fond remembrances of the swimmer you used to be). The longevity of your swimming over this time period will more than exceed the amount of work you do in program with a shorter time frame. Matt

IQ, Here's the only "stat" that matters. You will consume more calories doing something you enjoy than doing something you hate. We're all grown-ups. We are all swimming because we want to. I guarantee you that once swimming for fitness becomes a chore instead of a joy, you will find some reason, excuse, etc. for doing less of it. With a time horizon of "lifetime fitness plan" instead of "breaking this personal record at next Feb's Championship," your perspective on your "training" almost has to change radically, or you'll burn yourself out before you wear out even one swim suit or pair of goggles. So...find the stroke you like. It does not matter if it is ***, fly, back, free, IM, sidestroke or dogpaddle (but I'm betting the last one will get real tiresome real fast), and do most of your swimming in that stroke. Dabble with the others to the extent you find them enjoyable. Find a group of congenial swimmers to share your workout (and cameraderie, etc. etc.) If you are interested in competition, swim the races you really like or intrigue you, and dabble in other strokes and events to the extent you enjoy the experience. Keep it fun; do what pleases you (not your coach, your teammates, your family, or your fond remembrances of the swimmer you used to be). The longevity of your swimming over this time period will more than exceed the amount of work you do in program with a shorter time frame. Matt