For the last couple of years I was extremely active. I was jogging about 10miles a week, lifing 4 times a week, and well as playing soccer every Sunday.
Last month I had some lower back pain and visited the doctor. I recieved horrible news that I can no longer jog, play soccer, or lift weights because of a herniated disk as well as some other things. She told me that if I want to maintain my fitness I should swim.
I feel great now and the doctor said that if I went back to my normal routine I may be ok for a while, but the problems would re-occur. I am not interested in ruining myself. But want to keep the fitness level I was at or increase it if possible.
I am not a swimmer like most of you are, but I have enjoyed recreational swimming all my life, I am 27 years old 5'7", 170LBS, and 12%BF. What kind of fitness workout would you guys recommend. The strokes I am capable of are *** & freestyle. I feel very awkward doing the others.
What kind of things would you recommend for me. I can swin 6 days per week for 50 minutes each time. I really want to burn fat and maintain (or improve) my body.
Parents
Former Member
I agree, drills will improve your swimming allowing you to swim longer and with more intensity. One HUGE WORD OF CAUTION! Don't try to do too much too fast too early and without the right technique. That is a sure way to injure your shoulders or knees and then you wouldn't have any way to exercise at all. Don't be surprise when you get in the pool and find out your endurance from running isn't what you expect. Swimming uses different muscles and for some reason endurance from other sports doesn't 'transfer' well. Since you've lifted weights your muscles are probably going to be tight, you'll need to find some gentle exercises to loosen them. (one thing I see at my pool all the time, young fitness fans--runners, weight lifting and aerobic dance types getting in the pool and swimming with such poor technique that this slow, 50 something, grandmother can lap them easily on her cruise speed) Find a good coach to train you. He/She will gradually and safely bring you up to a level that you desire and teach you correct technique. There is nothing better than one to one coaching. Your appetite will probably increase too and you should look into the proper nutrition for a swimmer.
I agree, drills will improve your swimming allowing you to swim longer and with more intensity. One HUGE WORD OF CAUTION! Don't try to do too much too fast too early and without the right technique. That is a sure way to injure your shoulders or knees and then you wouldn't have any way to exercise at all. Don't be surprise when you get in the pool and find out your endurance from running isn't what you expect. Swimming uses different muscles and for some reason endurance from other sports doesn't 'transfer' well. Since you've lifted weights your muscles are probably going to be tight, you'll need to find some gentle exercises to loosen them. (one thing I see at my pool all the time, young fitness fans--runners, weight lifting and aerobic dance types getting in the pool and swimming with such poor technique that this slow, 50 something, grandmother can lap them easily on her cruise speed) Find a good coach to train you. He/She will gradually and safely bring you up to a level that you desire and teach you correct technique. There is nothing better than one to one coaching. Your appetite will probably increase too and you should look into the proper nutrition for a swimmer.
