Workout(s) for a beginner?

Former Member
Former Member
Hey all, I'm just getting back into swimming, after swimming competitively for about 10 years in grade school and High School. Swimming was my life in those days, but I haven't been in a pool for about 8 years. I've been reading some of the posts on this forum from people who have gotten back into swimming, and have gotten loads of good advice. However, one thing I haven't stumbled on is a good workout for someone like me. I'm 26, and although not overweight, I'm VERY out of shape. I can't do much more than a 50 before I'm dead. I have no endurance whatsoever. This is both due to lack of cardio fitness, and lack of "muscle strength". Can anyone recommend some (specific) workout ideas (drills, sets, etc) that can help me in both these areas? Primarily I need to build my cardio, as I think it is a big reason why my muscles tire so quickly. I am anxious to build up to doing the 3500 - 5000 yard sets that I used to do in high school, but I know the dangers of overtraining and don't want to go down that road.