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.
Katie,
May I recommend you take some pictures of where you are at so that a year from now you can do a visual comparison. You will truely surprise yourself.
Donna
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)
YES, see my avatar ;)
if you just mosey on through a workout, you probably won't get much out of it; but if you challenge yourself with a variety of sprints, distance, technique, as well as cardio, you will see some results pretty quickly. Find a coach to help you with this, or check out the workouts on this forum.
I swim for 90 minutes 3-4 days a week, averaging 4500+ yards per workout in season.
Swimming is great for cardio, weightloss and yes you can gain muscle definition (especially in the upper body). It takes time so be patient.
The reason swimming is not recommended for osteoporosis is because it is not a weight bearing exercise, due to the water bouyance.
Since you are a runner - perhaps a way to ease into the "swimming thing" would be to start water jogging. Gasp! I'm not suggesting that you would/could in any way shape or form be confused with a Noodler! I suggest this to get the most bang for your buck.
Almost all of the folks I've worked with in making the transition can't believe the limitations they feel in their lung capacity - one of these is the fact that your lungs are working both directions (in & out) in the water. The hydrostatic pressure is a factor in water - not land therefore you are getting a double workout in water.
By starting with something with which you are familiar will give yourself sense of accomplishment and will help you "feel" the water.
As you increase your swimming distance you can decrease your water jogging time.
Mike this is only my third week of swimming after 22 years give or take a year LOL so I cannot answer all your questions.
I can tell you my back is getting a huge workout and I actually have lats HMMMMMMMMMMMM. Also the cardio is tough. There is no way it cannot be good for everything you mentioned. I am trying to swim 4 times a week. Today there is no swim so I did some cardio at the gym this morning and weights.
I cannot wait to see how I look by next summer
Katie
Running on the other hand produces clearly uninteresting physiques :D
Speak for yourself. :thhbbb: I think my husband and son look great. My son can outrun all the skinny kids with long legs. :groovy:
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.
Swimming should have obvious value for muscle definition. Not body-builder style but you only need to look at good swimmers to see the benefits.
Running on the other hand produces clearly uninteresting physiques :D
A bit more seriously - vigorous swimming consumes just slightly less energy than running at the same heart rates. Possibly a result of the more effective body cooling from water.
If you want to swim for fitness, aim for the same level of perceived effort and/or heart rates you achieve with running.
Thanks Donna
I have some lovely photos already of me when we vacation. OMG. LOL
I know that this is helping as my arms are quite sore especially the muscle around the underarms and my back. It is all good.
Katie
Josh: I note on the lack of ankle flexibility. As a runner turned swimmer, I heard that a lot. I stretched my ankles constantly but no help. Then I got long fins. Man did that pull the top of my foot!
Runner know ankles flexibility as the achilles only. This cause calf cramps and a foot that hangs down because it can't be pulled in to a streamline position.
My first attempt at kicking, I pushed off the wall and than actually started backing up. Its very frustrating!
