As an open water swimmer at heart, I got fed up with pool swimming about a month ago, and switched to almost entirely to cross country skiing 2-3 times/wk, about an hour per ski. I jumped back in the pool this week, and felt like I hadn't missed a beat; perhaps even a little stronger. I haven't had this experience with any other activity; certainly not running or biking. Now what to do about mud season - no snow and icy lakes. Hm.
Hopper
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Former Member
I agree completely. It's no substitute. As far as other exercise, I'm not sure there is a proper substitute. I guess it depends on how you define cross training. I'd love to do it, but I can't swim every day. My shoulder starts to ache and overall I feel more tired and burned out. So every other day, I do some other kind of aerobic exercise, and usually some weight training. For the weight training, I try to work swimming muscles. For the aerobic, I try to do something that complements my swimming, like elliptical/running/biking/etc. In this way, I hope to be overall fitter and healthier. (Though of course swimming is still my main focus). :2cents:
JIM
Ellipitical can be good, but my experience has been that it is no substitute for swimming. ON the occasions where I stopped swimming and used elliptical instead for a couple of weeks, I am ill prepared for swimming when I get back in the pool.
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Former Member
I agree completely. It's no substitute. As far as other exercise, I'm not sure there is a proper substitute. I guess it depends on how you define cross training. I'd love to do it, but I can't swim every day. My shoulder starts to ache and overall I feel more tired and burned out. So every other day, I do some other kind of aerobic exercise, and usually some weight training. For the weight training, I try to work swimming muscles. For the aerobic, I try to do something that complements my swimming, like elliptical/running/biking/etc. In this way, I hope to be overall fitter and healthier. (Though of course swimming is still my main focus). :2cents:
JIM
Ellipitical can be good, but my experience has been that it is no substitute for swimming. ON the occasions where I stopped swimming and used elliptical instead for a couple of weeks, I am ill prepared for swimming when I get back in the pool.
