I am new to swimming...I basically am only able to swim free 50yds at a time without getting "winded". I use a kickboard for about 100yds and then start up with free again. I try to keep it up for 45 minutes to an hour. Am I kicking too much w/ the board? Would it be better to alternate free with back versus free with kickboard?
Basically I need to figure out how to get to more continuous swimming.
Any ideas? Suggestions? Thanks!
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Former Member
Welcome to swimming! I swam for years through college, but that was a long time ago. I've only been back in the water for a few months, so I come to the forum to get, rather than give, advice. But since you haven't received any replies yet (which is surprising), here goes.
I think if you can keep moving in the pool for 45-60 minutes, then you are doing great! Don't worry about 'kicking too much.' A recent article on Olympian Ryan Lochte has many of us thinking we need to be kicking more.
That said, you may want to try kicking some on your back or side without a kickboard. That will give you a better feel for the water, and will be easier on your shoulders.
If you are getting much more winded swimming than kicking, I wonder if you are having trouble getting the timing of your breathing when you swim? That's an issue for lots of very fit 'dryland' athletes. I would recommend doing some pulling with a pull buoy. That will allow you to slow way down without sinking, so you can concentrate on relaxed breathing and swim further without too much effort.
I'll leave it to others for more specific advice. C'mon folks! Enough about the LZR already. Let's help out the newcomer!
Welcome to swimming! I swam for years through college, but that was a long time ago. I've only been back in the water for a few months, so I come to the forum to get, rather than give, advice. But since you haven't received any replies yet (which is surprising), here goes.
I think if you can keep moving in the pool for 45-60 minutes, then you are doing great! Don't worry about 'kicking too much.' A recent article on Olympian Ryan Lochte has many of us thinking we need to be kicking more.
That said, you may want to try kicking some on your back or side without a kickboard. That will give you a better feel for the water, and will be easier on your shoulders.
If you are getting much more winded swimming than kicking, I wonder if you are having trouble getting the timing of your breathing when you swim? That's an issue for lots of very fit 'dryland' athletes. I would recommend doing some pulling with a pull buoy. That will allow you to slow way down without sinking, so you can concentrate on relaxed breathing and swim further without too much effort.
I'll leave it to others for more specific advice. C'mon folks! Enough about the LZR already. Let's help out the newcomer!
