Hi All,
I just joined the masters swimming group at my local Y. I swam competitively growing up before quitting my sophomore yr in college (good DIII program) but I've been out of the pool for the past 15 years. My goals are twofold:
1. Get back into some semblance of fitness so my kids dont think Daddy is a couch potato
2. Enjoy a little competition with like minded people.
I'm eager to get back in the water but could use some advice to get re-started:
1. Any equipment changes I need to be aware of or are people using the same kick boards, paddles, fins and pull buoys that I used 15 yrs ago?
2. Can you recommend a good practice suit? / competition suit?
3. How pitiful should I expect to be? I haven't exactly been a paragon of fitness over the past 15 yrs.
4. Any pitfalls I should look out for? I quit originally because of impingement in both shoulders (yeah- I'm a wimp)
I used to be a halfway decent sprinter (50/100 fr & 100 fly were my best events; anything longer than a 200 was the devil)- any idea where I can get a look at competitive times in those events? I just want to know what's respectable for a 35 yr old guy.
Congratulations! You made an absolutely brilliant decision to get back into the pool. I myself just returned 6 weeks ago after a 30+ year hiatus, so I'm a bit envious of you. I wish I hadn't waited so long, but I am making great progress thanks to my Masters coach.
So, here's my :2cents: of advice to you:
Focus on your form. I read somewhere that 70% of swimming is form. If you have good form, the rest will follow.
Don't worry about speed.
Don't push yourself too hard at first.
Listen to your body and give yourself time.
Don't get discouraged. You'll have good days and some not-so-good days, but don't give up.
And most importantly -- have fun!!
:bliss:
Oh, and I almost forgot. In just 6 weeks of swimming, not only do I swim better/faster, my body has improved immensely. I've lost weight, gained lean muscle, my body fat percentage has gone down, and I'm stronger. If a 55-year old out-of-shape, former high school swimmer can do it -- I know you can too!
Congratulations! You made an absolutely brilliant decision to get back into the pool. I myself just returned 6 weeks ago after a 30+ year hiatus, so I'm a bit envious of you. I wish I hadn't waited so long, but I am making great progress thanks to my Masters coach.
So, here's my :2cents: of advice to you:
Focus on your form. I read somewhere that 70% of swimming is form. If you have good form, the rest will follow.
Don't worry about speed.
Don't push yourself too hard at first.
Listen to your body and give yourself time.
Don't get discouraged. You'll have good days and some not-so-good days, but don't give up.
And most importantly -- have fun!!
:bliss:
Oh, and I almost forgot. In just 6 weeks of swimming, not only do I swim better/faster, my body has improved immensely. I've lost weight, gained lean muscle, my body fat percentage has gone down, and I'm stronger. If a 55-year old out-of-shape, former high school swimmer can do it -- I know you can too!
