Updates from the new guy in the pool.

RE: Updates from the new guy in the pool.

Former Member — Sat, 22 Jul 2006 14:46:52 GMT

Hope this helps! I was 65+ years old when I thought that starting swimming would be a good thing to do. So I went to a local community college pool, enrolled, and put on an old swim suit and jumped in. did 4 strokes and totally collapsed and could barely climb out of the pool. Went back a few weeks later to see what would happen, I am not a quitter. With the encouragement of the others there I was able to swim a lap after about a month. So here I am 75 years old now, kept at it, kept at it, kept at it and kept at it; switched pools to a fitness center, took lessons from a coach there, and sometimes swim 73 laps that equates with roughly a mile 3 to4 times a week. I also still have a full time job, so there is life after 65.

RE: Updates from the new guy in the pool.

Former Member — Sat, 22 Jul 2006 14:13:40 GMT

Your doing great!! I can swim, but have been on a 27 year vacation and I can only do about 8 laps before I have to stop. Don't give up!! I too like the "me" time swimming gives a person. It's amazing the resistate swimming has, at a younger age I never notice it, but now, I fell it, even when I flip turn and go back down the pool lane I feel my own water current from the previous lap. It's a weird feeling. Keep up the good work!!!

RE: Updates from the new guy in the pool.

Former Member — Sat, 22 Jul 2006 13:49:50 GMT

Yea, typically, I've developed a sort of routine: stretch, swim one lap, use flippers for two or three laps, paddles one, rest, breaststroke a full length, brief rest, breastroke back. swim full lap slowly with no flippers or paddles. then repeat until I'm just flat exhausted. Since I'm not good yet, a great amount of mental goes into this as I'm getting my breathing/turning rhythm down.

RE: Updates from the new guy in the pool.

Former Member — Sat, 22 Jul 2006 13:41:16 GMT

It sounds like you've made a lot of progress. Keep up the good work! I agree with Sabretooth, don't use the paddles for now. They can help increase strength, but they can also cause serious shoulder injuries if your technique is not great. If fins are helping you, keep using them, just be sure not to get addicted to them. You may want to try swimming a lap or two with fins, then a lap or two without to try to replicate the feeling. Videotaping yourself was great, but I'm sure you found it can be a little humbling too. Re-tape yourself every once in a while to see what's improved and what still needs work. Keep the old videos, and in a year or two (maybe even less) you'll be amazed how much better you're doing.

RE: Updates from the new guy in the pool.

Former Member — Sat, 22 Jul 2006 11:36:11 GMT

Thanks, I only use them for maybe a lap or two. Like I said, I DON'T like them. Swim coach told me to use em.

RE: Updates from the new guy in the pool.

Former Member — Sat, 22 Jul 2006 10:58:35 GMT

If you're working hard to get 8 laps done . . . I would not recommend using paddles at this point. Paddles are really (IMHO) a tool to be used by swimmers with advanced skill and fitness. It's too easy to hurt your shoulders through misuse. my 2 cents