This is my first time to this site; it's excellent! I wish I had more time to really surf it.
I'm a recreational swimmer in my late 30's. I swim two mornings during the week, and on either Saturday or Sunday. Due to my work schedule, and the fact that I swim in the morning, I can only allot approx. 30 minutes. So what I've been doing is swimming a mile of free non-stop, usually finishing up with a sprint for the last 80 (it's a small college pool, 20 yards). I want to change up my workout, but there's no Masters group or adult swim group locally, and I don't have the drive to actually GO somewhere that has them (the pool is walking distance from my house).
My questions are:
1. I do a VERY poor butterfly, but I don't know how to correct it without getting some coaching. How does one get coached in swimming (or improve his stroke by reading "how-to' articles) if there aren't any local groups that cater to adults (that I know of--I live in Frederick, MD if anyone knows of someone), and I can't see what my stroke looks like.
2. Is there a recommended 30 minute "fitness" swim workout that you could direct me to? Periodically, on Saturdays, I'll swim about 2500 by 400's, then 300's, etc., each of free, ***, back and free again (where it WOULD be fly).
3. What's the deal with fins and hand paddles? When are these used?
Any help you can give would be appreciated. Until then, it's "TS" for me! (Simpsons reference)
Parents
Former Member
I have the same problem as you... no adult group close enough for me to join. I started out swimming (and reading) on my own and made fair progress. One evening while I was swimming my laps I noticed a guard giving lessons to two women who could not swim... literally, all they could/would do was stand in the water. I watched this guard over the next month bring the women from standing in the water, to swimming one lap of free, and within a couple of months they were swimming multiple laps, were able to do *** and back as well as free, and dive from the block. Thats when I decided to ask her if she might be interested in giving me some pointers. After talking to her about it I found out she had been a comptitive swimmer and later coached. We made arrangements for one hour every other week (private lessons can get pricey) When she started training me I made huge gains and during one five week period I was able to double my yardage. So thats my advice, look for a guard or coach who is willing to work with you on a one to one basis. Ask that they also develop workouts for you to do between lessons that include the drills/skills they want you to work on... might be a little bit extra, but well worth it because it will be tailored to your needs and time restrictions.
Lainey
I have the same problem as you... no adult group close enough for me to join. I started out swimming (and reading) on my own and made fair progress. One evening while I was swimming my laps I noticed a guard giving lessons to two women who could not swim... literally, all they could/would do was stand in the water. I watched this guard over the next month bring the women from standing in the water, to swimming one lap of free, and within a couple of months they were swimming multiple laps, were able to do *** and back as well as free, and dive from the block. Thats when I decided to ask her if she might be interested in giving me some pointers. After talking to her about it I found out she had been a comptitive swimmer and later coached. We made arrangements for one hour every other week (private lessons can get pricey) When she started training me I made huge gains and during one five week period I was able to double my yardage. So thats my advice, look for a guard or coach who is willing to work with you on a one to one basis. Ask that they also develop workouts for you to do between lessons that include the drills/skills they want you to work on... might be a little bit extra, but well worth it because it will be tailored to your needs and time restrictions.
Lainey
