I am 35 and in pretty decent shape. I ride 4-5000 miles a year and do endurance events (100 mile mt. bike races). Unfortunately, my Dr. just told me no more riding for 3 + months. I usually ride through the winter, well enough to stay in some sort of shape.
While I am not excited about droping $800 bucks to join the Y to use the pool I am kind of excited to try something new. My Dr. told me I can swim and I plan on using this to keep my cardio and tone up over the winter.
Problem is I have no idea where to start. From goggles, suit, to what to do in the pool other than swim. In cycling I always tell beginners any cycling is better than no cycling, I would guess this is true for swimming (at a beginner level).
I know how to swim and was on the swim team through grade school (yeah I know a long time ago but at least I know what its about). I have tried to read some of the posts here about training, but to be honest I just dont know the lingo.
Like most things I will probably get hooked on this and want to see what I can do with it. I would like to work up to doing 1-2 hours.
Thanks for the help.
Al
Well it looks like kicking bothers my knee too so it looks like I will be using the pull buoy exclusively for the time being.
Don't worry about the buoy ... do what works. I know a number of swimmers who've been sidelined with shoulder injuires and have had to kick for months on end with no pulling. You're just restricted on the other side of the body, but can still get a great workout.
One thing you can add into your pulling, though, once your arms and shoulders feel even stronger in the water would be paddles. Most swimmers I know like them; they like the extra work they make, but also the extra power. They certainly can strengthen your shoulders/back and add variety if your knee is forcing you to pull only.
Well it looks like kicking bothers my knee too so it looks like I will be using the pull buoy exclusively for the time being.
Don't worry about the buoy ... do what works. I know a number of swimmers who've been sidelined with shoulder injuires and have had to kick for months on end with no pulling. You're just restricted on the other side of the body, but can still get a great workout.
One thing you can add into your pulling, though, once your arms and shoulders feel even stronger in the water would be paddles. Most swimmers I know like them; they like the extra work they make, but also the extra power. They certainly can strengthen your shoulders/back and add variety if your knee is forcing you to pull only.
