New to forum: Desperately need advice

RE: New to forum: Desperately need advice

Former Member — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 09:12:09 GMT

It sounds like you really don't have any choice, so just do it. Stop focusing on your health problems and giving yourself permission not to do what you know you have to do for yourself. And get some perspective by remembering that there are millions of people in the world who, at this very moment, are in much worse situations than you are in. Unlike many of those souls, you can make a choice to better your situation. No more talking about it or "psyching yourself up," which simply dilutes your willpower. JUST DO IT.

RE: New to forum: Desperately need advice

Former Member — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 07:17:06 GMT

... Last year I was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition Ankylosing Spondylits... Will swimming for an hour 3 times a week help? I have a rather severe case of Psoriatic Arthritis (another whacked out autoimmune condition) and if I did not exercise on a regular basis I’d probably be in a wheelchair now (I even got a MD to tell me this, unsolicited). Mostly I swim, and occasionally do Yoga. I’m confident that swimming 3x/week will indeed help you a great deal. Like the other folks said, be kind to yourself and take your time. In 1995 I had to relearn to swim due to loss of mobility. I started out in the water for 45min, and went as far as I could go in that time. I went to the pool 5x/wk, every morning before work. People who knew me in '95 and see me now can't believe it is the same person. So my suggestion is to pick a time, do as much as you can in that time, rest as often as you need to. If you track your distance, you will likely see improvements in just a few weeks. Over months and years (if you stick to it) you will continue to improve, just not as fast. Unless you have a really strong background in swimming (or even if you do) it is likely that some coaching or instruction by a qualified person will help you a great deal, even if you only get one session a month. I’ve never had to deal with severe weight issues, so I can’t relate a lot to your situation there, but I have lost weight because of my swimming practice. If I am exercising regularly and paying attention to my body, I find it difficult to eat a bad diet. I know there are a number of folks on this message board who have been successful in using swimming as a way to help them shed weight, so you will likely find some kindred spirits here. In the beginning of my swimming practice I could not lift my arms out of the water, could only do *** stroke (probably 30 of them) to get to the other end of the 25yd pool. I’d cling to the wall to catch my breath (fatigue is still my #1 problem), *** stroke back, stand up and rest, repeat. At first I could only do 300yds in 45min. I was absolutely miserable, but I was even more determined to regain at least some of my lost mobility. At the time I could not lift my elbows above my shoulders, even floating in the water (so I could not put my arms straight out in front of me, over my head). It took nearly 2 years of 45min, 5x/wk, before I could consistently do 25yds of front crawl (in the beginning I thought I’d never do “free” again). Around this time I’d also improved my distance to about 1K+yds per day, was doing a lot of back crawl, and adding a bit of front crawl. It was about 6yrs before I even thought about butterfly, but now (12yrs later since ‘95) I’m really enjoying it, and am even pretty good at it. These days I’m in the water about 60-75mi, and typically do 2K+yds, usually 3-4x/wk. I still rest frequently, and now do almost equal amounts of all 4 competitive strokes during my routine. I keep my diet pretty clean and healthy. I don’t have any significant weight issues. I’m 49 (6’2”, 190#), and all things considered, exceptionally fit (even though my condition is still progressing, albeit very slowly). I owe pretty much all of my recovery to swimming. It is not just the diet and exercise that helps, it is also the discipline. As I tell all my friends: In my life, all else serves swimming. It dawned on me the other day that I’ve been doing about the same distance (6Kyds/wk) since 2000. I can go more distance per day now, but in fewer trips per week. Seems 6k is my limit, which is perfectly OK with me, I like the way I look, and (relatively speaking) I feel great. I encourage you to be patient and do whatever it takes to get out there and swim. I’ve always practiced swimming alone, but many folks can’t do without the coached team practice. Find what’s right for you and just do it. I’ll tell you this though (based on my personal experience): You have to set goals, and you got to really want it. It takes a lot of courage and determination, but the rewards are well worth it. Don't forget to make it fun, at least once in a while. :cool:

RE: New to forum: Desperately need advice

Former Member — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 12:41:39 GMT

For the past two years, I've participated in the Forester's BIG Swim For Arthritis, a fundraiser for the Canadian Arthritis Society. (2006 was the inaugeral one). This fellow: http://www.bigswim.ca/ Vince Richer, was/is an inspiration to all us participants. He had such bad arthitis he could barely get out of bed in the morning, took up swimming, lost 100 pounds, and now swims in open water and masters races. Be gentle with yourself, but be consistant, and I'm sure you'll soon notice and improvement.

RE: New to forum: Desperately need advice

Former Member — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 11:36:56 GMT

Please start slow so you don't get discouraged. I started with no swimming experience. I was in OK shape and not overweight. I could swim five minutes before being exhausted and discouraged. After awhile five minutes became 10, then 15. Three years later, I swim an hour 2-3 times a week. No way I could have started at that level. Also, though this is a swimming forum, I'd suggest changing up your routine every month or so to keep things interesting. Try walking for a month, swimming for a month, biking for a month, weights, etc. It's easy to get bored, then quit. Good luck!

RE: New to forum: Desperately need advice

Former Member — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 11:13:09 GMT

Start slowly and build up. An hour is too much to start with - you'll be exhausted. Try 20 minutes at first, then work your way up to 30, then 40, and so on. Anna Lea

RE: New to forum: Desperately need advice

Allen Stark — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 08:47:08 GMT

As Rob said YES. Swimming is a great exercise for people with bone and joint problems. I agree,start SLOWLY.

RE: New to forum: Desperately need advice

swim4me — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 06:50:09 GMT

Yes you can. But be careful. Swimming will make you hungry, so stick to your diet! You don't want to eat the calories back that you burn swimming. :fish2:

RE: New to forum: Desperately need advice

Former Member — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 06:04:31 GMT

Will swimming for an hour 3 times a week help? L. I started a year ago with a short swim 3x a week and built up to 1 mile. My transformation over a year is very satisfying to me. If you can swim for 1 hour 3x a week with the minimal amount of rest you can handle...you'll see results. Don't go crazy too soon. Add a bit of distance/time over a couple of weeks.

RE: New to forum: Desperately need advice

Donna — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 02:45:02 GMT

Yes you can do it. When I started it took me only 4 months to move out of the plus size suits. That was swimming 4 days per week for me.

RE: New to forum: Desperately need advice

Rob Copeland — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 01:55:07 GMT

Will swimming for an hour 3 times a week help?YES!!! And the sooner you get started the better.