Some questions about swimming's contribution to fitness
Former Member
Hi,
I am a new member here. Due to a serious knee injury (4 time dislocation), I am interested in taking up swimming. It is especially appealing as it is a low impact sport and involves all parts of the body.
How good is swimming for the heart? I know it forces my heart to work, but is it good to keep it in shape?
Is swimming good for strengthening a knee?
Lastly, swimming is the only sport/exercise I do. As a result, I assume I would have to do quite a lot of swimming to make up for the lack of other exercise. How many hours a week would I have to put in (assuming I swim constant lengths with some rest in between - or as far as I can, but not just standing in the pool).
Sorry for all the questions on my first post
Thanks
Parents
Former Member
Oh - your actual questions ...
How good is swimming for the heart? I know it forces my heart to work, but is it good to keep it in shape?
Definitely. Even if you are completely unconditioned, you can get in great shape given that you have sufficient duration/intensity/frequency.
Is swimming good for strengthening a knee?
To some extent. It is very kind on bad knees but may require supplementary exercise (weights, bike).
I assume I would have to do quite a lot of swimming to make up for the lack of other exercise. How many hours a week would I have to put in (assuming I swim constant lengths with some rest in between - or as far as I can, but not just standing in the pool).
"Fitness" depends on your goals. For cardio fitness probably 1000 yards nonstop 3x/week will provide bare minimum fitness. That won't do much for your knees. I highly recommend a Masters team with 4x/week structured workouts 1 to 1-1/2 hours. You will have a much higher level of fitness and improved strength with interval training and variety in the sets than if you just stick to nonstop lap swimming, and the time will pass by quickly.
BTW change your mindset from "have to do" to "want to do"... :) Getting back into swimming was one of the best things I've done even though it was due to bad circumstances.
Reply
Former Member
Oh - your actual questions ...
How good is swimming for the heart? I know it forces my heart to work, but is it good to keep it in shape?
Definitely. Even if you are completely unconditioned, you can get in great shape given that you have sufficient duration/intensity/frequency.
Is swimming good for strengthening a knee?
To some extent. It is very kind on bad knees but may require supplementary exercise (weights, bike).
I assume I would have to do quite a lot of swimming to make up for the lack of other exercise. How many hours a week would I have to put in (assuming I swim constant lengths with some rest in between - or as far as I can, but not just standing in the pool).
"Fitness" depends on your goals. For cardio fitness probably 1000 yards nonstop 3x/week will provide bare minimum fitness. That won't do much for your knees. I highly recommend a Masters team with 4x/week structured workouts 1 to 1-1/2 hours. You will have a much higher level of fitness and improved strength with interval training and variety in the sets than if you just stick to nonstop lap swimming, and the time will pass by quickly.
BTW change your mindset from "have to do" to "want to do"... :) Getting back into swimming was one of the best things I've done even though it was due to bad circumstances.
