Hi all,
Between a lengthy bout of bronchitis, job changes and adjusting to new schedules, I haven't swam with any consistency in about a year. I'd like to get back into competition shape -- which entails losing about 15 pounds and gaining back the muscle I lost -- in time for a meet next March or April. Anyone else ever gone through this? How do you work back a schedule of swimming 1-1.5 hours a day and lifting three days a week without doing too much too quickly and burning out or injuring yourself (or giving up because you feel like you're so far away from "good shape"?) Any ideas of what sort of yardage/intervals to start with?
I appreciate the help -- I'm so ready to stop being a couch potato, but I'm not sure where to start.
Hey, you've been getting some great advice! I hope it's working. You mentioned weights so I have to put in my 2 cents. Hit the gym! I do weights 3 times a week and the weight came off w/out even trying. Of course, you have to watch what you eat as well. Your first 2 weeks in the gym, just do one set of everthing you used to do, at a low weight, 16 repetitions. ONE set only. That way you won't be too sore to swim and you won't have any excuse! Plus, it'll be a really fast visit to the gym and it won't seem as painful.
After two weeks, you can increase to 2 sets and maybe increase the weight by 5 pounds. And trust me, no one notices the light weight you're using. Everyone is too busy staring at their own muscles in the mirror.
You have to get over how you look becasue you're not going to look like that forever. And do core work as well. I swear by my gym workouts. So, add that to your days and keep going. You're too young to be worried about this and like someone else said, you'll snap back fast if you can stick w/it.
And ask yourself this: Have you ever regretted going to a practice???
Hey, you've been getting some great advice! I hope it's working. You mentioned weights so I have to put in my 2 cents. Hit the gym! I do weights 3 times a week and the weight came off w/out even trying. Of course, you have to watch what you eat as well. Your first 2 weeks in the gym, just do one set of everthing you used to do, at a low weight, 16 repetitions. ONE set only. That way you won't be too sore to swim and you won't have any excuse! Plus, it'll be a really fast visit to the gym and it won't seem as painful.
After two weeks, you can increase to 2 sets and maybe increase the weight by 5 pounds. And trust me, no one notices the light weight you're using. Everyone is too busy staring at their own muscles in the mirror.
You have to get over how you look becasue you're not going to look like that forever. And do core work as well. I swear by my gym workouts. So, add that to your days and keep going. You're too young to be worried about this and like someone else said, you'll snap back fast if you can stick w/it.
And ask yourself this: Have you ever regretted going to a practice???
