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.
Parents
Former Member
Your workout schedule will depend on your availability. Just get into a routine - whether it be going to the gym every day, but alternating lifting/swimming or whatever. You can always make your workouts longer or change depending on how you feel.
I think it is great to swim at least 4-5 days per week and lift 2-3 days per week. From what I've read, lifting 2x per week is good for maintaining your strength, but to build strength and endurance, you need to go with 3x per week.
The key here is to make an attainable goal that you can reach and feel good about your return to the gym/pool. Then make another goal, and so on until you are right where you left off.
I really think you are going to surprise yourself. As I mentioned before, just go in determined to try your best, but knowing that you are just starting out again so don't overdo it. Slow and steady progress!
You can do it!
Your workout schedule will depend on your availability. Just get into a routine - whether it be going to the gym every day, but alternating lifting/swimming or whatever. You can always make your workouts longer or change depending on how you feel.
I think it is great to swim at least 4-5 days per week and lift 2-3 days per week. From what I've read, lifting 2x per week is good for maintaining your strength, but to build strength and endurance, you need to go with 3x per week.
The key here is to make an attainable goal that you can reach and feel good about your return to the gym/pool. Then make another goal, and so on until you are right where you left off.
I really think you are going to surprise yourself. As I mentioned before, just go in determined to try your best, but knowing that you are just starting out again so don't overdo it. Slow and steady progress!
You can do it!
