I usually run for exercise, but I am thinking of incorporating swimming several times a week into my workout schedule. For anyone who swims, do you find that swimming is a good form of exercise--for both muscle definition and a calorie-burning workout? Also, for how long do you swim, and how should I feel while swimming (out of breath, or should I swim at a medium to slow pace)
Any general swimming techniques, tips, and personal experiences would be helpful! And I want to know why swimming is not generally recommended as an exercise to prevent osteoporosis.
Parents
Former Member
Swimming differs from running in many ways. First of all, and most importantly, swimming is a skill oriented sport. Technique is of the essence and it must be acquired. So if you are serious about swimming you will not only go to the pool to "work out" but to "practice". There maybe some frustration at first. I have seen it in my pool when runners begin swimming either because of injuries (something you have to worry about less as a swimmer) or because they want to do triathlons.
Another problem I see with runners begining to swim is general lack of flexibility. This is very noticible in an ineffective kick. This is due to technique problems but also to inflexible ankle joints. Their feet are always flexed in running where in swimming they must be extended. The best test is having a runner try to kick to the other side of the pool. Many times he will kick in place because of bad technique and lack of ankle flexibility. So work on flexibility. Shoulders too.
Lastly remember that you will be using muscles in swimming not used in running. In a short time you should see chest and shoulder development.
Hope this helped.What kind of routine would I need to do when I go to the gym to swim?
How long should I swim?
How many laps should I do?
Does it matters if I do laps above or below the water?
Should I drink water before or during my swim?
Or should I take breaks?
Swimming differs from running in many ways. First of all, and most importantly, swimming is a skill oriented sport. Technique is of the essence and it must be acquired. So if you are serious about swimming you will not only go to the pool to "work out" but to "practice". There maybe some frustration at first. I have seen it in my pool when runners begin swimming either because of injuries (something you have to worry about less as a swimmer) or because they want to do triathlons.
Another problem I see with runners begining to swim is general lack of flexibility. This is very noticible in an ineffective kick. This is due to technique problems but also to inflexible ankle joints. Their feet are always flexed in running where in swimming they must be extended. The best test is having a runner try to kick to the other side of the pool. Many times he will kick in place because of bad technique and lack of ankle flexibility. So work on flexibility. Shoulders too.
Lastly remember that you will be using muscles in swimming not used in running. In a short time you should see chest and shoulder development.
Hope this helped.What kind of routine would I need to do when I go to the gym to swim?
How long should I swim?
How many laps should I do?
Does it matters if I do laps above or below the water?
Should I drink water before or during my swim?
Or should I take breaks?
