Improving/Learning to swim

Clseeper · 24-01-2008 12:51pm #1

This seems to be a common question so I thought I’d post this to try and help people out. I’m a swimming coach and have taught all levels [kids/adult/club] for the last 8 years. I also swam competitively since I was a kid. These are just my thoughts and would love feedback and other people’s opinions.

Learning to swim as an adult can be quite daunting for the majority of people. The big issue with teaching adult beginners as opposed to kids is that adults have a preconceived wariness/fear of the water. Once this is overcome the progression can be quite quick.

Learning
Lessons
Group swimming lessons are the most common way people learn to swim. These will have different levels which normally cater for all range of abilities. Nearly every lesson has new ‘total’ beginners at the start of each new course so you won’t be alone. Try and get some feedback from people doing the lessons on what the teacher is like or even try and meet the teacher before the first lesson. For beginner’s, it’s quite important that you are comfortable with and trust the teacher. It makes it easier when they start to progress the strokes and push you outside your comfort zone.

Group lessons are great as a whole social side can develop. You will find it a lot easier to motivate yourself to go to the lessons if you know ‘X’ & ‘Y’ will be there and you can have a bit of a laugh. Class sizes play a big part in swimming especially when at the beginner stage when the swimmers need more attention and supervision. This becomes less important as you progress but obviously the more people there are in the group, the less attention you are likely to get. Group lessons are also cheaper than the other private 1-2-1 alternative.

Cost
Lessons are normal booked in block terms [maybe 10 weeks] and on average lessons can range from €11-€16 per lesson. This depends largely on the pool/club, location and how long each lesson is. Swimming lessons can range from 30mins to 1hr.

1-2-1
Private lessons or 1-2-1 lessons can be of great benefit. Total attention and a lesson totally catered to you and set at your level. Another advantage is the flexibility you gain in the private lessons. While most group lessons are on a set time each week, you, as the client can dictate when you want the private lessons. Obviously this will depend on the teachers’ availability and demand but it means that you don’t pay for a lesson which you may miss due to other commitments.

In private lesson you have much more control, make sure you use any time you have with personal lessons. If you think you’re weak in a certain aspect of a stroke then tell the teacher and ask them to explain it more or do some more drills. Remember (without being pushy or arrogant) that you are the client and if you’re not happy with the teacher then you can easily get someone else.

Cost
These can be quite expensive depending on the teacher and their level of experience/demand. Private lessons can range from €30 - €60 per lesson and also vary in lesson duration.

Progression
After you’ve mastered the basics of the swimming, why stop there? Swimming is known as a great all body workout and a lot of people wouldn’t mind having a ‘swimmers’ physic. But to pay dividends you need to swim at a high enough intensity. You’re not going to benefit much from swimming 20 lengths of the pool with 5 minutes rest in-between! Sure it’s fine to start at this level but you have to progress and improve on it.

Lessons
Most clubs/gyms have numerous levels in their class structure. This level varies from place to place but the advanced and the levels in-between are normally designed to progress you to swimming lengths at a time and maybe beyond. It is still quite structured in that there would be a teacher and you would be introduced to new strokes, drills and training techniques.

Cost
Normally the same setup and costs as the beginner lessons above. Numbers in the class can be a bit higher.

Club
There are numerous masters swimming clubs dotted around the country. These normally cater for all ages and all abilities [~20 – 70+]. Ideally you should be able to swim a one or two lengths at a time but can range right up to the ex competitive swimmers who could be doing 2-3km in a session.

These clubs are normally very social and even do the odd competition but the atmosphere is very laid back and relaxed. Some sort of coach/teacher is normally present at most sessions but with 5 lanes [full pool] the chances of a large amount of individual stroke correction is small.

Cost
Some clubs charge a flat fee per month (€??) or just charge entry per session.

Group
Some clubs/gyms have dedicated ‘lane swim’ hours and can attract a good crowd. There is no teacher/coach and it can be a free for all. Some clubs/gyms set different level lanes and sometimes put down suggested swimming sessions to follow. Good for getting some extra training in but quite hard to improve your strokes unless there is someone helping you out or you are quite focused and know what you’re working on.

Cost
May be free if you are a member of the gym, they just see it as use of the facility. Otherwise it’s normally just the entrance fee to use the pool.

1-2-1
This is where I personally think the most value in private lesson is. You have a good basic level and now really want your perfect your stroke. You do your own training and just do one/two private lessons a month to perfect your stroke and get feedback. Key to this is getting the right teacher/coach and at this level it should be a coach. Preferably somebody who has swam to a high enough level competitively or is extensively experienced in a high level swim teaching, not just your learning to swim group. The majority of gym staff has a swimming teacher qualification but that is just a tag along to the gym instructor cert, aerobic course, aquafit course, pilates course etc. For this you really need someone who knows their stuff.

Cost
Same as 1-2-1 above

Hope this may help.

:cool:

sharkgirl · 24-01-2008 2:02pm

Cool post

Electric · 24-01-2008 2:08pm

Cheers for the post! It's very helpful.

I used to swim loads as a kid and teenager but for some reason got out of the habit. I've now found that I'm nearly back to square one.

I'm living in Glasnevin, is there anywhere around there or on the Northside that would run swimming lessons?

Purdie · 10-04-2008 12:58pm

HI! At 30 its a really bothering me that I cant swim I really want to be able to just enjoy holidays more and even try out some watersports. Im not that enthusiastic about having my face underwater but I have taken a few 1-2-1 lessons about two years ago and they did combat that fear but I did not manage to learn to swim! I found the classes short and could hardly hear what she was shouting from the side! I dont have a fear of the water but I was useless at getting bouyant. Im thinking of signing up for 8 week group lessons in Shannon and see how I get on there if instructor willing to do some 1-2-1 after/during the 8 weeks try that do. I know it should not be that hard but I am disheartened now.

Whats the best advice re lessons group or 1-2-1 and if so who should I contact in Limerick re 1-2-1.

My niece who is in preschool is learning and loves it so its about time I could!

Clseeper · 10-04-2008 3:45pm

It’s kinda hard to make a proper call on what stopped you last time without seeing your stroke. From your descriptions, it’s all positive; you have no fear of the water and can get your face in. Assuming this will allow you to get a good position on the water then the rest is just technique and practice. At 30 your one of the young ones!

Try getting 60 year old ladies to "Point their toes, keep their knees quite straight and kick fast while keeping enough depth to get power." .......and many of them get it after a while.

I’d always try and encourage people to take the group lessons as they can be much more enjoyable & socialable. Having said that, if the class sizes are too big or there is other issues (like not being able to hear the teacher) then this will impact how you get on.

Not too familiar with Shannon (apart from the pool at Fitzpatrick in Bunratty) but the university pool in limerick is brilliant. They have a very active amateur and masters club and I would assume you would have any trouble get 1:1 lessons there.

As always make sure you get an idea of things before you jump in; size of class, target ability, teacher feedback & experience, etc.

On the not hearing the teacher thing. Make sure you sort this out this time around. Get them to repeat to you what they said maybe when you closer. It bugs me when people, mostly kids, nod away (haven’t a clue what you’re explaining to them) and then go off and do exactly the same thing as before. The teacher wants you to improve so make sure you use them!

Purdie · 11-04-2008 10:34am

Thank you do much for your reply...and positve outlook! I know the questions I need to ask now before committing to the class and will check out whats on in UL too. Hopefully I will have a positve result.

Green Hornet · 16-05-2008 11:15pm

I learned to swim about 6 months ago and I understand that 20 lengths of the pool may not seem much (as in your earlier post) but I only managed my first length in January and now do 24-28 lengths of a 25 metre pool 2-3 times a week (40 minute sessions). Finding it difficult to extend that though. I'm 39. Will the fact that I learned so late mean that I'm about my limit or do you think I will be able to add a few more if I keep at it?

BendiBus · 16-05-2008 11:52pm

Green Hornet wrote: »

I learned to swim about 6 months ago and I understand that 20 lengths of the pool may not seem much (as in your earlier post) but I only managed my first length in January and now do 24-28 lengths of a 25 metre pool 2-3 times a week (40 minute sessions). Finding it difficult to extend that though. I'm 39. Will the fact that I learned so late mean that I'm about my limit or do you think I will be able to add a few more if I keep at it?

Keep at it. I'm 39, learned a couple of years ago and usually do 60-64 lengths (1500m or a mile) in under 30 minutes. I hit a wall at the 10 lap stage and it took a while to get beyond it but from there I was able to increase the distance more easily.

Have you taken an improvers course? It made a big difference for me in terms of stroke correction & learning to pace myself.

Green Hornet · 17-05-2008 5:24pm

Have you taken an improvers course? It made a big difference for me in terms of stroke correction & learning to pace myself.[/quote]

Wow. That certainly gives me hope. I've completed an improvers course but it contained about 10 people so I suppose it was not very "one to one".

I have tried to pace myself a bit better over the course of the last few weeks and it certainly is helping. I've also tried to concentrate on not taking deep breaths every breath (if you know what I mean) and that's also helping. I'm almost at the 30 and I suppose the next target after that will be 40. Perseverance!

bananamansgay · 12-06-2008 11:55am

heya folks....

im learning to swim 'proberly' as im doing a triathlon at the end of July. I have to swim 750 meters in under 20mins and at the moment i cant do more than 300 meters (its my breathing - either too much or too little air!)

anyways, im a manber of the westwood club in clontarf and iv found a coach who will give me a couple of lessons.

is this allowed does anyone know? can i bring in a guy to the pool area and have him coach me? i need a card to get into the place....

AngryHippie · 12-06-2008 12:08pm

Shouldn't be a problem, but might be pricey. Managers and management tend to have a funny view of private coaching, as they aren't getting a cut, But you are the customer, so they have to keep you happy. thats the bottom line

tunney · 12-06-2008 12:09pm

bananamansgay wrote: »

heya folks....

im learning to swim 'proberly' as im doing a triathlon at the end of July. I have to swim 750 meters in under 20mins and at the moment i cant do more than 300 meters (its my breathing - either too much or too little air!)

anyways, im a manber of the westwood club in clontarf and iv found a coach who will give me a couple of lessons.

is this allowed does anyone know? can i bring in a guy to the pool area and have him coach me? i need a card to get into the place....

Not going to happen unless you rent a lane in clontarf.

bananamansgay · 12-06-2008 12:27pm

tunney wrote: »

Not going to happen unless you rent a lane in clontarf.

do you mean that i wont be able to bring him in unless i pay for a lane?

AngryHippie · 12-06-2008 5:35pm

Private membership pools can be a bit sticky about it, but if you take the time to find the closest local authority pool, they won't mind (can't do anything about it) As long as you both have a ticket to swim, its hunky dory. Not sure if it'll fly in Westwood, But you could just try both going in as swimmers and stay beside each other in the lane, or in the casual swimming section if there is one. Not sure what the exact setup is in Westwood, but I can gaurantee that the managers will be less than impressed. Its understandable, Pools are very difficult to keep in profit, Lessons are a great way to generate a bit of revenue and keep the books pretty, When they see someone coming in stealing their thunder without giving them a piece of the action they aren't gonna like it. Depending on how their sessions are structured, they might just have to swallow it and walk away. Be nice about it though, especially if you've payed a big annual sub for membership.....:)

01-07-2008 12:14am

Cleeper I'm starting off completely from scratch at an advanced age.
Is it likely I'll be boyant at the end of 10 weeks?
How long does it usually take to learn?

Clseeper · 01-07-2008 10:26am

Now obviously all my comments are from my experience in general but even my most water phobic swimmers have gotten that far after 10 weeks. As long as you make all of the lessons and try everything then you‘ll defiantly excel beyond that.

Within a 10 week program you will probably get as far as swimming for short distances [~10-15m] at a time, kicking on your front and maybe with arms. You will probably also be kicking on your back and maybe some arm strokes.

As everyone is individual you could conquer all or some of these or maybe excel beyond this. But floating and buoyancy should be the first thing you learn. That’ll comprise most of your first lesson – floating, body position and getting comfortable in the water.

Good luck and enjoy it.

01-07-2008 10:39am

Thank you

Seres · 04-07-2008 4:33pm

Benibus "Keep at it. I'm 39, learned a couple of years ago and usually do 60-64 lengths (1500m or a mile) in under 30 minutes. I hit a wall at the 10 lap stage and it took a while to get beyond it but from there I was able to increase the distance more easily."
that is really impressive , it gives me such hope .

I was just wondering is self training just a bad idea ???, see the problem i have is that i can swim ( not very well-about 30 laps in 20 minutes) but there is room for loads of improvement and the pool near me only does adult beginners lessons and no private courses , i really want to improve because i am doing a sprint triathlon in september and really want to do well

I got some tips on the internet to improve my technique and this is part of my self training plan

Money Shot · 04-07-2008 4:47pm

Where are you based ?
The National Aquatic Centre in Blanchardstown have lessons for all lessons, and you can also book private lessons.

Seres · 04-07-2008 5:00pm

the nearest one to me is aura leisure centre in carrick on shannon co leitrim

04-07-2008 5:09pm

Seres wrote: »

the nearest one to me is aura leisure centre in carrick on shannon co leitrim

This is where I am learning...there are improvers lessons going on too.
They have just started a new round two weeks ago, the next set will be in September.
I want to bring a friend next week and apparently that will be ok.

Seres · 04-07-2008 5:13pm

whoo thanka alot , maybe i can join on , maybe i will see you there , well you will know me first if i am the only one joining

04-07-2008 5:16pm

Seres wrote: »

whoo thanka alot , maybe i can join on , maybe i will see you there , well you will know me first if i am the only one joining

I'd get on to them fairly lively if I were you.
You won't be with me though......I'm in the sinking section!

SurfDudeWithAtt · 07-07-2008 5:56pm

Hi, need a little help/advice.

4 months ago i badly injured my knee and had an operation etc(i play a team sport at a pretty high level) and have only just been allowed to exercise again. As swimming is low impact i have decided to use it to get my fitness back and re build some muscle i've lost.

I started swimming in a 25m pool bout a week ago and i've gone 4 time doing 50 laps in about 25 mins then i do a few 'sprints' at the end to get me puffing a bit. I feel im going at a decent pace and am really enjoying it(having not exercised in so long i'm loving the burn in my shoulders at the end of aswim). I can't swim breaststroke cuz of my knee so just swim freestyle. Does anyone know how this translates to running etc? i am feeling tired by the end of a swim but not as out of breath as i would be running. Also can i expect an increase in my strength doing what im doing and in what areas?

Sorry to ask so many q's but want to make sure what im doing is worthwhile.

cheers

Ps i should mention i swan alot as a kid but gave up competitive stuff at about 13 to pllay other sports so my technique is fairly good(until the final 5 laps!)

Clseeper · 08-07-2008 11:52am

In my experience, the translation of swimming fitness/ability to running doesn’t really happen. In swimming you aren’t supporting your full body weight and also the muscle groups being used are all over the body [obviously depending on your stroke].

It is a great exercise for an all body work out and will defiantly help maintain some of your cardio fitness but I wouldn’t expect you to be able to go back to running and last your full match. From what you are saying, it seems that you are using your upper body strength to do the majority of the work [burning shoulders]. Or it may be that your legs have much more stamina so you’re feeling it in your upper body first? To build up your legs, I start to introduce some localised exercises for them. Try doing some kick and catch-up to complement your distance work. This will help you to develop your legs more and will hopefully be of much better benefit when you go back to your normal training.

Make sure to ease in the kick as it can be quite tough and you don’t want to set yourself back any more.

07-08-2008 11:57pm

Clseeper.

I'm trying to get the front crawl.
As soon as I try to bring the arms into it, I automatically stop kicking.
Have you any tips?

Clseeper · 08-08-2008 11:08am

Yeah, kick more :P

This is a tough one and a common problem. It quite a skill and demonstration of coordination to try and kick while using your arms and then to try and kick ~3 times faster than the pace of your arms is the next one.

There's not much you can really do apart from practice and perseverance. Maybe start with the kick and build up some speed and then bring in the arms but keep thinking about your legs.

Potentially the catch-up drill could help, as long as you do it correctly. The catch-up drill is more for your legs. This could help get you used to the coordination of the arms and legs?

longshanks · 10-08-2008 2:39pm

hows it going folks? i had lessons a while ago to learn to swim properly. i've been jumping off piers etc all my life so i don't really have a fear of the water (unless, of course, i fell out of a boat. miles from land. at night. jeeesus) anywho, my problem is i cant seem to swim for any decent length of time without having to stop to catch my breath. i'm not tired at this stage just really breathless. having read through the thread a couple of people have mentioned breathing too deeply. is this a common problem? at the minute i breathe on the fourth stroke. i've tried every second stroke and every third stroke but dont find any improvement.
anyone got any tips?

Clseeper · 12-08-2008 2:13pm

No breathing too deeply is not a problem, as long as your mouth is clear of the water. Your lack of breath is just your fitness and your body saying you need air. It seems like you just need to improve your breathing technique and then you should see some real strides forward.

Have a read of some of the threads on breathing and see if any apply to what you may be doing.

longshanks · 12-08-2008 8:56pm

ok thanks for that. i had a look through some of the past threads and picked up a few pointers. at the moment i breathe out through my mouth, from what i've read i should probably be breathing out through my nose. i'll try it for a while anyway and see if i notice any changes

reganovich · 12-08-2008 9:20pm

So after ten weeks, i should be able to thread water and swim 5 lengths? correct? is this the normal progression?

Green Hornet · 12-08-2008 9:26pm

reganovich wrote: »

So after ten weeks, i should be able to thread water and swim 5 lengths? correct? is this the normal progression?

From my own experience it took me longer than that to swim 5 lengths but I suppose it depends how fit you are and how much practice you put in. I guess everybody is different.

ImDave · 13-08-2008 11:24pm

I have been swimming on and off for fitness for the last year. I would like to make swimming my main sport, possibly joining an amateur club. I am a member in the local private leisure centre, and also in the 50m pool in University of Limerick. What I am wondering is what gym work can I do to improve my swimming. From watching the olympics, I see they do a lot of back work. Is this where the power comes from? Any advice much appreciated!

Clseeper · 15-08-2008 11:48am

This depends a lot on what part of which stroke you’re looking to improve on. There are a lot of different ideas on what’s best. I’ll admit it not an area I’m an expert in.

I think the main components are the core strength and stability and then focus on some individual areas. If you’re looking at front crawl, I’d focus on triceps, shoulders & forearms. But that would be my weaker points, it depends on your stroke and where you need work. Talk to the gym instructors or do some research on the net for an interesting variety of exercises you can do.

I’d nearly focus on basic overall strength, flexibility [Key] and core work [mainly abs, obliques and back]. Then as you find your faults or weaker areas, work on them.

ladytri · 18-08-2008 4:58pm

[QUOTE SERES
I was just wondering is self training just a bad idea ???, see the problem i have is that i can swim ( not very well-about 30 laps in 20 minutes) but there is room for loads of improvement and the pool near me only does adult beginners lessons and no private courses , i really want to improve because i am doing a sprint triathlon in september and really want to do well
[/QUOTE]

Hi Seres
Couldn't help but notice your post...
I'm a member of the Lough Key Tri club and I'm guessing its our tri you're training for in sept? Anyway even if it isn't-we meet every Wed at 7pm and Sun at 10am for a swim in Lough Key and you're more than welcome to join us to experience swimming in open water.

haze, · 20-08-2008 3:48pm

Hi, just wondering if anyone has any advice please. I'm not a bad swimmer and would like to get into going more often- 3 times a week maybe, but I'm really unfit and would like to know what kind of training I should be doing to improve my fitness eg combinations of strokes and number of lengths?

I'll be going to a 25m pool. Thanks

Clseeper · 21-08-2008 4:50pm

Haze,

It really depends on what you’re working towards. If it’s just fitness, then you could just focus on front crawl and mid to long distance. There’re some interesting threads at the moment on different sets, you could take a look at them.

Essentially the aim would be to get an initial marker of your current ability and then improve on that. You could try a simple set of 6x50m fc and just record what rough times your doing them on. Then steadily increase the distance and decrease the time as you improve.

For aerobic fitness, aim to increase the distance first then drop the times. From the 50’s, increase to 8x50 then 10x50, then try 4x100m, 6x100m etc. Sets of ~200m would be considered middle distance and anything above 400m would be long distance.

Times: Do a 50m at a steady pace and see what you come in on. Add ~20secs and take this as your first time for the 50’s. For example if your do your first 50m in 1 min, take the 20 sec rest and do the next 5 on 1.20. You’ll get the most rest at the starting ones and then as you get tired and your stroke gets sloppy, your 50m will get slower. This means that as the set progresses you’ll get less and less rest. This is forcing your body to adapt and improve your fitness so next time you’ll do better.

While this is to improve fitness, it should be fun and enjoyable. So make sure to throw in some drills, different strokes and some sprint to keep things different and interesting.

haze, · 23-08-2008 2:23pm

Thanks a mil for the advice. At least I have a goal to aim for now!

CiaranDowney · 10-09-2008 1:27pm

Great to read all the positivity in this thread, and thanks Clseeper for the pointers and advice. I never learned to swim as a kid and only took some lessons over ten years ago and they were really poor and didn't help. Every time I go on holidays with my kids, the eldest of whom swims well, I keep promising myself that I'll have learned by the next time we go on holidays. But I never do. I have no problem being in the pool and can usually flail across it with my head down, legs a-kicking and mostly arms pulling me to the other side. But I end up having to keep my head down so it's a case of getting as far over as one breath'll carry me. Hardly the best of techniques. Anyway, this time I've made up my mind that I'm starting lessons. I just don't know where. Living in Dublin (Knocklyon) gives me a fair range of choices but I wondered if anyone had any particular recommendations for the best adult classes. As I said above, my earlier experience was crap and I don't want to waste time or money on substandard lessons. Also, how much practice should I try and put in between lessons – and is it essential? I only ask because it's not always easy to find the time and if I bring the three kids along, my time is usually spent with them. All suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

Clseeper · 11-09-2008 10:38am

It’s a personal hate of mine, people teaching swimming who haven’t a clue. These are normally the fitness instructors who have never swam, and can just about do it themselves, but have it as a qualification because it was being done on their course and it is easier to get a job with it.

I have no real experiences with pools or teachers in that area so can’t help, sorry. You could try and get a pool which has a swimming club in it. That way there is more chance that the teachers have swam and come up through the club. The older, well established pool as opposed to the Westwood, Jackie Scelly’s etc.

From what you describe, you have water confidence and aren’t really starting from scratch so it’s mainly stroke correction and breathing you need to work on. Is extra practice essential, no, but it’ll depend on how well you take instruction [and how good the instruction is] and how you adapt it. Obviously the more practice you do, the better.

Notch000 · 10-12-2008 4:54pm

Hi im a pretty decent swimmer, i could always swim a lenght or so , but about 2 year ago i took lessons and a little self teaching myself to go propper, i can now do around 30-50 a session, mabye more. I've done 100+ plenty of times before, but my issue is i've never got past the medioaker stage, i can swim set of 6-10 but no more,
I did nt swim for 6 months there and after joining a new gym im nearly back to sq 1.
I have been working on my technique, body position and roll etc but i dont think im ever going to be as smooth as the 'good' swimmer i share lanes with.
Im pretty lazy generally but do push myself in the pool. Im struggeling with my tempo and steady breathing rather than fittness, I think this is holding me back.........where do i go from here ??????

Question 2, if im swimming one night and knackered the next, I usually tell myself there no need to go swimming again as this will do more harm than good, is this true or just pussy talk ??????? I dont want to get injured like i've done before running, I try go 3 times a week usually mainly during the week.

Killgore Trout · 10-12-2008 7:39pm

Three sessions a week is good. If you're feeling wrecked the next day it may not be a great idea to train some more - it is possible to get injuries.

Any clubs around? Even if you got one club session and trained on your own for the other two it should help you build your stamina.

I take it you're talking about a 25m pool?

What kind of time you spending on your sessions? How are they structured? Do you swim against the clock? How long are you resting between sets? etc...

Some people recommend books like Total Immersion to improve technique - I have read it myself and have found parts of it useful (though I wouldn't classify myself as a TI zealot)

Notch000 · 11-12-2008 9:15am

I dont time my set, i usually do set of around 6-10 and take a breather in between, usually spending around 30-40 mins in the pool. I'l have to look up this total immersion book

cheerireland · 07-01-2009 6:19pm

This is really a cool post.

I am actually looking for adult lessons in Dublin and looking to start them asap? Any one know any good teachers in Dublin for a 1-2-1 Adult lesson.

Fluffybums · 30-03-2009 11:53pm

Green Hornet wrote: »

I learned to swim about 6 months ago and I understand that 20 lengths of the pool may not seem much (as in your earlier post) but I only managed my first length in January and now do 24-28 lengths of a 25 metre pool 2-3 times a week (40 minute sessions). Finding it difficult to extend that though. I'm 39. Will the fact that I learned so late mean that I'm about my limit or do you think I will be able to add a few more if I keep at it?

Definately keep at it. I used to belong to a Life Saving club where one of the members, in her late 50s to early 60s at the time, had learnt to swim about 5 years before I got to know her. When I knew her she had just passed her Lifesaving Award of Merit and was working toward her Distinction, the highest award the RLSS gave at the time. So you are never too old!

Green Hornet · 31-03-2009 8:53am

Fluffybums wrote: »

Definately keep at it. I used to belong to a Life Saving club where one of the members, in her late 50s to early 60s at the time, had learnt to swim about 5 years before I got to know her. When I knew her she had just passed her Lifesaving Award of Merit and was working toward her Distinction, the highest award the RLSS gave at the time. So you are never too old!

Will do

.

Wow, thats a fantastic achievement!

I do 40 lengths (25m pool) 3 days a week now. I'm slow as hell (ca. 30mins) but reasonably steady. Trying to convince myself to increase the lengths but I get a bit bored by the end of the session

.

What I'm really trying to concentrate on now is stroke improvement. I do 20-21 per 25m but I know that's not great so I'm trying to reduce that.

ianmc38 · 02-05-2009 1:06pm

I'm looking for advice as well. I've reasonably good cardio fitness and am just starting to do some swimming training. I am technically able tos wim, but my technique and everything else is terrible. I'm living ina complex that has a 25M pool so I plan on swimming every day before I start working. Can someone give me pointers on the ebst way to increase endurance/improve my stroke etc?

Thanks.

Clseeper · 06-05-2009 10:47am

This is a tough one as we have no idea what your stroke is like? The big thing that most people could do with improving is their stroke length on frontcrawl. There are a few threads on this. Basically trying to get through the length in the least number of strokes possible. Make sure to keep your hand just below the surface as you slide forward and extend your arm as much as possible. Your whole body and even hips can rotate slightly to enable this. I sometimes even tell some of my swimmers to touch their shoulder off their chin to emphasize this.

Other than that, make sure to set targets that you can see the improvement which will help keep up the motivation.

The issue with swimming is the discontinuity between what you think you are doing and what you actually are. That's why its great to get someone to look at your strokes. Even just one lesson once in a while to give you some pointers to go off and work on and then come back for the rest.

Good Luck

BendiBus · 06-05-2009 1:15pm

Clseeper wrote: »

I sometimes even tell some of my swimmers to touch their shoulder off their chin to emphasize this.

I once went for several weeks wondering what disease was causing bright red marks on the front of my shoulders. I eventually realised it was beard rash from swimming

Krusty_Clown · 26-05-2009 5:30pm

Hi there, I did lessons as a child, and gave up before I ever had a chance to become a proficient swimmer. I am now taking lessons again, and hope to be able to swim competently. I have done two lessons recently, but on both occasions have suffered from calf cramps. Any suggestions on how I can avoid these? Any truth about eating within a few hours of swimming or is this a wives' tail?! I normally do a lot of running, but returning to swimming is a recent development. Thanks much!

AngryHippie · 27-05-2009 12:46pm

Stretching will help, After about 10 minutes of swimming, stop and do a full set of stretches, this will hold off the cramp for a while (hopefully long enough to finish your set, or lesson) Once you've built up some distance, try a little bit of work with fins, and some legs only work to improve your LME (local muscular endurance) this will help more in the long run. and eat a banana a few hours before, and keep hydrated.
Enjoy

Improving/Learning to swim

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