After a long layoff, I am getting back into swimming and I have some questions to ask.
1. How often should I rest? I plan on practicing at least 4 or 5 times a week. Bear in mind I am going to start out very slowly.
2. Any recommendations for a goggles or swim mask? I am thinking of using a swim mask starting out.
3. What should my basic swim program entail?
4. What should I be aware of starting out?
After a long layoff, I am getting back into swimming and I have some questions to ask.
1. How often should I rest? I plan on practicing at least 4 or 5 times a week. Bear in mind I am going to start out very slowly.
2. Any recommendations for a goggles or swim mask? I am thinking of using a swim mask starting out.
3. What should my basic swim program entail?
4. What should I be aware of starting out?
1. Depends on how fit you are now. 4-5 x seems kinda high initially.
2. Find a comfortable goggle that fits your face and doesn't leak. You may have to experiment with a few different kinds before finding the right fit. No idea why you'd want a swim mask, though I guess some people find them comfy.
3. Depends on what your goals are, whether you want to compete and what type of swimmer you are. Check the Workout Section or Blogs for sample workouts. Incorporate kicking right away, even if you don't want to.
4. Rotator cuff exercises. This is more important than anything. Or else, you'll have a shoulder problem right outta the box.
I'm also starting up after a year. I'm looking for suggestions on easing into it again and avoiding shoulder strain. How many days would be optimal? How much yardage to begin with? Should I focus on kicking or arms or what? I used to do about 2000yds/workout? What should I begin with? What has worked well for all of you who have re-entered the pool?
Thanks. Andy:banana:
2. A mask would cover the nose, right?
raid might be thinking of the mask-like goggles, though. Sort of like these: www.swimoutlet.com/.../1426.htm
Definitely a traditional scuba mask that covers the nose would be bad, and I can't really see why you'd want to use something like I linked above unless you are really having problems with the fit of more traditional goggles. I do see a fair number of people who use these during lap swim sessions, though.
Never thought about the rotator cuff.
Neither did I, and then I had 2 years of ongoing tendonitis and other problems. 99.99% of masters swimmers have shoulder issues at some point. If I could have a do over, I'd have made sure my rotator cuff muscles were strong before I even started swimming. Newbies with shoulder problems are very common on these boards. Don't be one!
After a long layoff, I am getting back into swimming and I have some questions to ask.
1. How often should I rest? I plan on practicing at least 4 or 5 times a week. Bear in mind I am going to start out very slowly.
2. Any recommendations for a goggles or swim mask? I am thinking of using a swim mask starting out.
3. What should my basic swim program entail?
4. What should I be aware of starting out?
After having 4 "starting over" attempts, I can tell you that you need to start with something you'll stick with once the newness wears off and practice becomes work again.
My problem was the 4-5 days a week thing. The first 3 times I "came back", 4-5 days a week was too much with the rest of my weekly activities. With the 4th try, I settled in on 2 days a week in the water, and worked my way up to 3. Couldn't be happier with it now :)
All these posts are great advice - goggles over a mask, shoulder protection, check the forums and on line workouts, etc. But above all try to find a masters group to swim with, we have lots of fitness swimmers who just like to have the group to train with and the buddies to keep them motivated. I need to have competitions to look forward to but I think probably half our team just swims for fitness. I have made some important friendships and seriously don't know how I would cope with the rest of my life without my teammates!
1. Optimally, you should be not swimming much more than swimming.
2. A mask would cover the nose, right? That's terrible. Speedo makes the best goggles, in general. These are my favorite: www.swimoutlet.com/.../5723.htm
3. This isn't your fault but nearly everyone asking for a training plan just need to read this: Ande's Swimming Tips: Swimming Faster Faster - U.S. Masters Swimming Discussion Forums
Somebody please sticky Ande's thread.
1. Depends on how fit you are now. 4-5 x seems kinda high initially.
2. Find a comfortable goggle that fits your face and doesn't leak. You may have to experiment with a few different kinds before finding the right fit. No idea why you'd want a swim mask, though I guess some people find them comfy.
3. Depends on what your goals are, whether you want to compete and what type of swimmer you are. Check the Workout Section or Blogs for sample workouts. Incorporate kicking right away, even if you don't want to.
4. Rotator cuff exercises. This is more important than anything. Or else, you'll have a shoulder problem right outta the box.
Thank you for the responses.
Never thought about the rotator cuff.
I also have skin issues with the chlorine , however I did a search on this forum and found a thread for solutions.
I am not interested in competing at this time. I just want build up my cardio andtake the stress off my joints. I also would like to get the swimmer's physique. But that will take some time and the right diet.
