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Time or distance for fitness (swimming)

  • 31-07-2007 12:23pm
    #1
    BendiBus
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,074 ✭✭✭


    I swim 4 times per week, same distance each time. I seem to have improved in that I can now swim the same distance in less time than I used to.

    My question is whether I'm maintaining the same level of fitness by swimming the same distance, or do I need to swim further and keep exercising for the same amount of time?

    Or somewhere in between?


Comments

  • #2
    claude26
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2 ✭claude26


    I'm no expert in swimming but I used to swim a lot too.
    You need to challenge your self if you want to improve more. You need to swim faster and up the number of laps you do. You can maintain the time but I assume,once you've improved again then you will be adding more time on your session.

    Its the same when your doing weights,working out, walking etc..you have to keep up a level all the time. If your body gets used to it,the effects wont be that much.:)


  • #3
    davyjose
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,287 ✭✭✭davyjose


    No, you need to start swimming for time, because basically you are working your way back into a comfort zone. If its easier to swim 400m than it used to be, then how are you pushing yourself? - your doing something that's easy!


  • #4
    hunnymonster
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,365 ✭✭✭hunnymonster


    I'm not sure which camp I fall into on this one. Swimming can be such a low impact, dare I say low effort (think blue rinse brigade breastroking) sport that maybe what you need is to actively try to swim faster rather than longer. I know you've already gotten faster but has your preceived effort increased. Swimming is one of the few sports I do where I can comfortably get my heart rate into the 190's without any risk of injury, unless of course I drown ;) Try to do less "leisure" swimming and more belly-out swimming. Sure you'll need breaks but it may benefit your fitness more.


  • #5
    BendiBus
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,074 ✭✭✭BendiBus


    hunnymonster wrote:
    maybe what you need is to actively try to swim faster rather than longer.

    I already swim in the fast lane most of the time and almost never get overtaken. Any faster and people start getting in my way, which spoils a good swim! :D I don't think I could anyway, not for any length of time.
    I know you've already gotten faster but has your preceived effort increased.

    No. It's seems easier. :(
    Try to do less "leisure" swimming and more belly-out swimming

    I wouldn't consider it leisure swimming in that I swim laps nonstop. My main problem is that my heart & lungs seem to be in better shape than my muscles. My arms stop working before I feel I've given my heart & lungs a good workout! Faster isn't an option for this reason. So further seems the only choice.
    davyjose wrote:
    No, you need to start swimming for time, because basically you are working your way back into a comfort zone.

    That was my feeling too. I think I just needed someone else to tell me. Thanks! Of course I need to keep doing a minimum distance in the given time otherwise I'll just slow down again.


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