returning to swimming after a complicatedpregnancy
Former Member
Hi, I'm a 35 year old woman who recently had a tough pregnancy and recovery. I swam 3-4 miles a week for 10 years before getting pregnant. I unfortunately was unable to swim during and just after having my son. I am happy to report that I have gotten back in the water this past week... boy! what happened to my stomach muscles?!? Right now I'm focusing on seeing what I can do, but would like some advice on how to help rebuild my abdominal strength. My land based training consists of an aerobic workout 3 days a week and Winsor Pilates for my stomach 5 days a week. My goal is to build back up to where I was before. Any suggestions?
Rebecca,
Congrats on your son and on getting back in the water!
Dolphin kicking does seem to be the best way to work those abs. I do NOT have a great dolphin kick, so entire lengths of dolphin is incredibly painful (both for me to do and for others to watch). Instead, I make a goal to do a minimum of 2 dolphins off every wall for freestyle... and as many as possible when swimming back or fly. If a decent portion of your workout is freestyle, these few dolphin kicks here and there really add up. As a result, my dolphin kick has actually improved and the abs have slowly come back (I have a 2 year old.) I think *** pull with a dolphin kick works the abs too, especially if you're focusing on using your core to lift yourself out of the water.
Good luck!
Carrie
Rebecca,
Congrats on your son and on getting back in the water!
Dolphin kicking does seem to be the best way to work those abs. I do NOT have a great dolphin kick, so entire lengths of dolphin is incredibly painful (both for me to do and for others to watch). Instead, I make a goal to do a minimum of 2 dolphins off every wall for freestyle... and as many as possible when swimming back or fly. If a decent portion of your workout is freestyle, these few dolphin kicks here and there really add up. As a result, my dolphin kick has actually improved and the abs have slowly come back (I have a 2 year old.) I think *** pull with a dolphin kick works the abs too, especially if you're focusing on using your core to lift yourself out of the water.
Good luck!
Carrie
