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.
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Former Member
... Does it matters if I do laps above or below the water?....
by all means... ABOVE WATER! this should reduce drag a LOT!!
(just kidding)
i reckon you mean more or less submerged. i've heard different schools of thought on this issue. for me... i am constantly seeking the path of most/least resistance. (most for the catch/pull, least for everything else). this single thought/concept will take you a long way.
you can make swimming really complicated, but it is easier to keep it simple (yes, i'm steeling geochuck's thunder here).
a good coach will help a lot. self study will help a lot too. the best two study resources i can recommend to start with are:
articles at h2oustonswims.org (mostly by Coach Emmett Hines)
USMS Articles & Publications
if you search the archives here you will find a lot of info, and a lot of it is excellent. and there is always the ever popular Ask Ande thread.
the answers to your other questions are going to vary depending on what your needs, goals, and capabilities are. in general i'd say do what is comfortable for now, and always try to learn more as you go. i've been swimming laps for over 35yrs and i'm still learning.
staying hydrated is generally recommended, but even this can get controversial.
as for distance/duration i suggest picking a time (say 45-60min) and swim as much as you can in that time. if you get tired take a rest to catch your breath. you'll get more out of 10x100 than you will out of a non-stop 1,000. mix it up (2x500, 3x300 w/ drills, etc.), practice other strokes. (i'm only using 1K as an example... ymmv). there are lots of places to get workout routines, including this forum.
if you focus mainly on technique then strength, speed, and studmuffin status will come.
your intensity is mostly a matter of choice. but i think most would agree that coached team/club swims will push them harder.
ask questions here. the more specific the question, the better the answers will be. it is a good idea to have a boo at the archives before asking, but new people show here all the time, so feel free to ask anytime.
don't forget you can also see all the posts made by a specific member. just view their profile (or click their id by a post) and and click the appropriate link.
...
... Does it matters if I do laps above or below the water?....
by all means... ABOVE WATER! this should reduce drag a LOT!!
(just kidding)
i reckon you mean more or less submerged. i've heard different schools of thought on this issue. for me... i am constantly seeking the path of most/least resistance. (most for the catch/pull, least for everything else). this single thought/concept will take you a long way.
you can make swimming really complicated, but it is easier to keep it simple (yes, i'm steeling geochuck's thunder here).
a good coach will help a lot. self study will help a lot too. the best two study resources i can recommend to start with are:
articles at h2oustonswims.org (mostly by Coach Emmett Hines)
USMS Articles & Publications
if you search the archives here you will find a lot of info, and a lot of it is excellent. and there is always the ever popular Ask Ande thread.
the answers to your other questions are going to vary depending on what your needs, goals, and capabilities are. in general i'd say do what is comfortable for now, and always try to learn more as you go. i've been swimming laps for over 35yrs and i'm still learning.
staying hydrated is generally recommended, but even this can get controversial.
as for distance/duration i suggest picking a time (say 45-60min) and swim as much as you can in that time. if you get tired take a rest to catch your breath. you'll get more out of 10x100 than you will out of a non-stop 1,000. mix it up (2x500, 3x300 w/ drills, etc.), practice other strokes. (i'm only using 1K as an example... ymmv). there are lots of places to get workout routines, including this forum.
if you focus mainly on technique then strength, speed, and studmuffin status will come.
your intensity is mostly a matter of choice. but i think most would agree that coached team/club swims will push them harder.
ask questions here. the more specific the question, the better the answers will be. it is a good idea to have a boo at the archives before asking, but new people show here all the time, so feel free to ask anytime.
don't forget you can also see all the posts made by a specific member. just view their profile (or click their id by a post) and and click the appropriate link.
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