Swimming

tattykitty

I'm full of questions today. This one's about swimming...

I've been swimming once a week in addition to my other "cardio" exercise (walking, crosstrainer/elliptical). I'm not a strong swimmer - you'll find me struggling along in the slow lane and nearly drowning when someone swims past in the other direction.

I can manage 12 lengths in a 50m pool (so, a total of 600m), which takes me just shy of half an hour (I swim front crawl). Thing is, I can't seem to progress on from this, and I'm completely and utterly exhausted when I get out of the pool - heart pounding, a bit dizzy, shaky legs. I swam early this morning and am still feeling a bit wrecked. In a way, I'm pleased that I've obviously worked hard enough in a relatively short session to feel the effects, but I'd like to improve.

I'm interested to hear your suggestions and ideas on how to get the best out of a session, if you please.

double GG

tattykitty wrote: »

I'm full of questions today. This one's about swimming...

I've been swimming once a week in addition to my other "cardio" exercise (walking, crosstrainer/elliptical). I'm not a strong swimmer - you'll find me struggling along in the slow lane and nearly drowning when someone swims past in the other direction.

I can manage 12 lengths in a 50m pool (so, a total of 600m), which takes me just shy of half an hour (I swim front crawl). Thing is, I can't seem to progress on from this, and I'm completely and utterly exhausted when I get out of the pool - heart pounding, a bit dizzy, shaky legs. I swam early this morning and am still feeling a bit wrecked. In a way, I'm pleased that I've obviously worked hard enough in a relatively short session to feel the effects, but I'd like to improve.

I'm interested to hear your suggestions and ideas on how to get the best out of a session, if you please.

Set yourself goals. Noone is perfect at anything when they just start. You say you can do 600m in just under 30 mins. Next time you're in the pool, time it. Let's say you get 28.31. Try beat that the next time! I always found it easier when I've something to work towards. Then aim to beat 27 minutes after 2 months or something.

Set yourself some reasonable goals.

Or perhaps split your lengths. Take the first length easier than you normally would, then give it your all for the next 50m, then slow it down and repeat. Or even 25m slow paced and up your pace for the next 25m.

lexa

To make a good improvement you probably need to swim more than once a week. If you could manage 2 or 3 swim sessions a week that would probably help. A lesson or two to improve your technique might help also. You can also use things like a kick board or swimming fins to help improve your technique.
I find swimming with others helps me stay motivated and swim for longer than I would if I was on my own. Are there any masters sessions in the pool you swim at that you could join?

tattykitty

double GG wrote: »

Set yourself goals. Noone is perfect at anything when they just start. You say you can do 600m in just under 30 mins. Next time you're in the pool, time it. Let's say you get 28.31. Try beat that the next time! I always found it easier when I've something to work towards. Then aim to beat 27 minutes after 2 months or something.

Set yourself some reasonable goals.

Or perhaps split your lengths. Take the first length easier than you normally would, then give it your all for the next 50m, then slow it down and repeat. Or even 25m slow paced and up your pace for the next 25m.

Good idea, I'll try that. I should mention that I've been swimming on and off since I was a kid, and used to swim every week...and never improved. It's only recently that I've committed to do so as an adult, however, so I guess it is like starting out afresh. Little goals like you suggest sound manageable...baby steps!

lexa wrote: »

To make a good improvement you probably need to swim more than once a week. If you could manage 2 or 3 swim sessions a week that would probably help. A lesson or two to improve your technique might help also. You can also use things like a kick board or swimming fins to help improve your technique.
I find swimming with others helps me stay motivated and swim for longer than I would if I was on my own. Are there any masters sessions in the pool you swim at that you could join?

True, I would probably see more improvement if I went more than once a week...I'm still new to regular exercise beyond walking though, so I've been trying to balance things out and see what works best. I've built up to three gym sessions and a swim per week, along with 2 X 6km walks five days a week...I currently don't have the energy (or time!) to fit in an extra swim. I might swap a gym session for a swim session and see how I feel.

Regarding classes, I think I'll just say "does not work well with others" (in terms of exercise anyway) and leave it at that. Thanks both for the suggestions.

Oryx

If your technique is poor and youre not getting help with it, and you do the same session every time, no, you won't improve.

Get one session with a coach. There should be one at the pool. Get advice from them. And try to swim at least twice a week.

Burkatron

Oryx wrote: »

If your technique is poor and youre not getting help with it, and you do the same session every time, no, you won't improve.

Get one session with a coach. There should be one at the pool. Get advice from them. And try to swim at least twice a week.

All of this!! Where do you swim & I might be able to recommend someone as not all swim teachers/coaches are the same, loads of cowboys out there!!!

tattykitty

Burkatron wrote: »

All of this!! Where do you swim & I might be able to recommend someone as not all swim teachers/coaches are the same, loads of cowboys out there!!!

I swim at West Wood, Clontarf. I've always been rather uncomfortable about lessons because I can't see well (even with prescription goggles)...but I guess I'll have to give it a try if I want to get somewhere with it!

Burkatron

tattykitty wrote: »

I swim at West Wood, Clontarf. I've always been rather uncomfortable about lessons because I can't see well (even with prescription goggles)...but I guess I'll have to give it a try if I want to get somewhere with it!

I dunno the guys up there, post this up on the swimming forum & you might get a better response! Just make sure whoever you get teaches you how to breath properly starting from how to blow bubbles (exhale) properly, the amount of instructors that neglect to teach this is ridiculous & it makes everything so much easier!

Oryx

tattykitty wrote: »

I swim at West Wood, Clontarf. I've always been rather uncomfortable about lessons because I can't see well (even with prescription goggles)...but I guess I'll have to give it a try if I want to get somewhere with it!

In a one on one with a coach you can explain your sight issues and you won't have other students to contend with. You'll be amazed at the difference a few small tweaks to you technique will make.

I can't see how else you will make proper progress. You simply can't tell what you are doing wrong.

Burkatron

kamoulox wrote: »

If you could manage 2 or 3 swim sessions a week that would probably help. A lesson or two to improve your technique might help also. You can also use things like a kick board or swimming fins to help improve your technique.

If the OP has been swimming for years & on a regular basis & has made no improvement then it's a fundamental technique flaw. Eventhough they are great training aids no amount of board or fin work will fix basic issues which are most likely with breath timing!

OP if you can't get a decent swim coach to have a look at you then have a read of Total Immersion by Terry Laughlin, it's a great book & I've seen my own clients get great results from it if they decided they want to have a break from lessons! Alot of them would still struggle with breath timing after it!