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.
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Former Member
Originally posted by SeoulNewfie
I guess than my ultimate questions is.....
From all your experiences, is it reasonable to think that I can get my heartrate in the target range from just freestyle laps? Since I have never swam for cardio, I am not sure how high it would get from a moderate swim.
You can get your heartrate to any level you want to in the pool -- whether you do freestyle, butterfly, swim underwater or just do doggie paddle. All you have to do is do whatever you are doing faster (or slower) to get the desired rate.
But I still think you are over-thinking this.
When you start out as a beginner, your first concern should be not to drown. Once you have some handle on what you can do, then you can start worrying about the details.
Seriously, on your first day just see if you can do two length nonstop without wheezing up a lung. You'll be surprised how hard it will be the first day.
Originally posted by SeoulNewfie
I guess than my ultimate questions is.....
From all your experiences, is it reasonable to think that I can get my heartrate in the target range from just freestyle laps? Since I have never swam for cardio, I am not sure how high it would get from a moderate swim.
You can get your heartrate to any level you want to in the pool -- whether you do freestyle, butterfly, swim underwater or just do doggie paddle. All you have to do is do whatever you are doing faster (or slower) to get the desired rate.
But I still think you are over-thinking this.
When you start out as a beginner, your first concern should be not to drown. Once you have some handle on what you can do, then you can start worrying about the details.
Seriously, on your first day just see if you can do two length nonstop without wheezing up a lung. You'll be surprised how hard it will be the first day.
