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
Hi Blade,
Join a Masters training program...do it! Tell the trainers about your knee AND tell you doc/pt about the training. I have found nothing but encouragement from the others in the program, including the trainers.
Swimming (the way they will train you) is GREAT for the heart. My BP and my resting heart rate, weight and waist size are all down since I started swimming, and that is good for my heart. The lower bp will put less strain on your heart and the lower resting heart rate will cause your heart to not work as much during normal activities. Lower BP also equates to less turbulence. Areas of high turbulence (within the arteries) are more subject to clots.
Swimming will strengthen virtually all of your leg muscles (some more than others) but do consult the trainer and your doc 1st. When you flex, extend or otherwise move your leg in water, your knee is subject to whatever effects that water wants to have on your lower leg. That water is usually moving, you are rotating and inertia has a field day, applying twisting forces on your joints that we normally wouldn't bother to notice.
Trust me don't play with it, consult first.
Regarding the comments on swimming and weight loss....
I started swimming (daily) in mid March. I now eat like a horse, every day.
In that time I have lost 28lbs and several inches off of my waist, all from swimming.
Will splashing around in the pool for 30 minutes a day do much? Probably not. Join/stick to a program and if you are overweight, you will lose. If you are not overweight, you will get into/maintain shape.
Reply
Former Member
Hi Blade,
Join a Masters training program...do it! Tell the trainers about your knee AND tell you doc/pt about the training. I have found nothing but encouragement from the others in the program, including the trainers.
Swimming (the way they will train you) is GREAT for the heart. My BP and my resting heart rate, weight and waist size are all down since I started swimming, and that is good for my heart. The lower bp will put less strain on your heart and the lower resting heart rate will cause your heart to not work as much during normal activities. Lower BP also equates to less turbulence. Areas of high turbulence (within the arteries) are more subject to clots.
Swimming will strengthen virtually all of your leg muscles (some more than others) but do consult the trainer and your doc 1st. When you flex, extend or otherwise move your leg in water, your knee is subject to whatever effects that water wants to have on your lower leg. That water is usually moving, you are rotating and inertia has a field day, applying twisting forces on your joints that we normally wouldn't bother to notice.
Trust me don't play with it, consult first.
Regarding the comments on swimming and weight loss....
I started swimming (daily) in mid March. I now eat like a horse, every day.
In that time I have lost 28lbs and several inches off of my waist, all from swimming.
Will splashing around in the pool for 30 minutes a day do much? Probably not. Join/stick to a program and if you are overweight, you will lose. If you are not overweight, you will get into/maintain shape.
