Hey guys.
It's in the first few hours of 2009 right now, and I've resolved to join a gym and incorporate several weekly swimming workouts into my fitness regime. I bet no one has ever made that resolution before, right? I thought I would say hello to what seems like a great, knowledgeable, and supportive swimming community.
I have zero experience, myself. I know how to swim if by "knowing how to swim" means "not drowning." But after I've immersed myself in reading a few hours worth of threads to get my toes wet, so to speak, in the world of swimming, I realize how much I don't know. Like technique, form, etc. It's almost overwhelming.
Personally, I'm a male in my mid-20's, finishing up a graduate-type degree. I have a BMI around 23, and am in reasonable shape from half a year of playing tennis three times weekly. I decided that a local YMCA is probably the best bet for me. I have no desire to swim competitively (yet), only to swim for fitness.
So, a few questions:
I'm purchasing a pair of swim goggles definitely. But is it necessary to purchase a Speedo swim suit? When I join a new sport, I like to do things right. I only have board shorts (quite long ones at that). Do many male swimmers wear speedos at pools like the YMCA? It would feel kind of ridiculous to swim in all the fabric of my board shorts, but I don't want to be the only guy in spandex.
Also, in terms of pool schedules, do you have to personally sign up for a lap lane or can you just hop in a dedicated lap lane when it's available on the schedule?
What's a good resource for beginning my swimming experience?
Thanks, and I'm glad to join this community!
Oh heck yeah you can swim in your board shorts. Buy goggles and show up, period. KISS. When I moved away from the beach and surfing, and started swimming again, all I wore for six months was board shorts. You have no idea if you're going fast or slow, so it doesn't matter for now.
You do need goggles. Hold them on your eyes and see if you can get them to stick more or less. Show up at any pool you like and swim. That's all that matters at this point. Try a couple of pools if you have the luxury. Here's a great list of pools worldwide
http://www.swimmersguide.com/
Oh heck yeah you can swim in your board shorts. Buy goggles and show up, period. KISS. When I moved away from the beach and surfing, and started swimming again, all I wore for six months was board shorts. You have no idea if you're going fast or slow, so it doesn't matter for now.
You do need goggles. Hold them on your eyes and see if you can get them to stick more or less. Show up at any pool you like and swim. That's all that matters at this point. Try a couple of pools if you have the luxury. Here's a great list of pools worldwide
http://www.swimmersguide.com/
