Cool Swimming?

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jabate

19 posts since
Jul 22, 2007

Jul 29, 2007 8:06 AM

Cool Swimming?

I'm looking for something similar to the Couch to 5k for swimming. Any swim version of cool running?

TriBob

377 posts since
May 25, 2007

1. Jul 29, 2007 9:09 AM

in response to: jabate

Swimming is very technique oriented. A lesson or two will go a long way. Check out the links and let us know your specific questions.

Here are some resources.

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=528[/URL" target="_blank">
Arm cycle video[/URL" target="_blank">

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Takes Q's, Kicks A's[/URL" target="_blank">
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jabate

19 posts since
Jul 22, 2007

2. Jul 29, 2007 4:33 PM

in response to: jabate

Thanks. Thats a good start. But my problem is that I can only swim a lap or two before I'm exhausted. I'm looking for a program that would acclimate my body to swimming longer distance. I imagine I'm using my arms too much and thought about using a kickboard for a while to get my legs involved.

TriBob

377 posts since
May 25, 2007

3. Jul 29, 2007 5:09 PM

in response to: jabate

Just the opposite. You kicking will consume large amounts of oxygen. You have to learn to relax, proper body position and technique.

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Help fight MS, sponsor my MS150 ride.[/URL" target="_blank">

Takes Q's, Kicks A's[/URL" target="_blank">
CR Map[/URL" target="_blank">

Flyin Hawaiian

398 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

4. Jul 29, 2007 5:35 PM

in response to: jabate

<<<<<A lesson or two will go a long way.>>>>

Theres a lot to be said for that! For me it was more like a lesson or 300! And I am still learning.

Start with a beginners swimming class at your local gym or Y. Then maybe move up to private lessons or an endurance swim class for swimmers beyond the basics. Then try a masters class and stick with it for a few months or more.

Laurie

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"Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday." Annonymous

3chilipeppers

696 posts since
Nov 3, 2007

5. Jul 30, 2007 4:53 PM

in response to: jabate

Read the book Total Immersion. You shouldn't really be using much of your arms or legs! Your body position, rotation in the water, and hips do most of the propulsion. You feet and arms are really just there to keep you balanced!

Yeah, I was a competitive swimmer and never swam like that either! I'm learning it is a much easier way to swim. The book costs about $10 at amazon, or you might find it at the library. Good Luck!

Kelli

adam6

205 posts since
Nov 21, 2007

6. Jul 31, 2007 1:12 AM

in response to: jabate

If you think that you kick too much, I would suggest using a pull buoy and practicing going as slow as you have to in order to complete a certain distance..200y,500y,1000y,1500y,1650,1750,2000 etc. Slow it down and relax, go slow and get some swim specific endurance, dont rush it. If you head out and cant finish a 50 or 100, then you need to really think about what you are doing, if you feel like you need to stop, then slow down so you dont feel that way.

jessups

51 posts since
Jul 24, 2007

7. Aug 4, 2007 6:27 PM

in response to: jabate

Here's a program somewhat similar to C25k:

http://www.ruthkazez.com/SwimWorkouts/ZeroTo1mile.html[/URL" target="_blank">

I don't know anyone who's done the program, but looking it over, it seems like a great introduction to swimming the mile.

Swimming is usually exhausting for the new swimmer because it is a sport almost entirely about form, like other posters have pointed out: the better your form, the more efficient your work-out. In addition, the form you need to swim efficiently is, for the most part, something you need to learn, whereas with running the form comes naturally after a while (if you don't have it naturally from the beginning). It sounds to me like you're exhausted because you haven't yet learned freestyle form. Your body is used to relying on legs to propel itself forward, so the hip movement involved in swimming will not come innately. In addition, every other part of your body, including the legs and especially the arms have a particular movement they need to follow while you swim freestyle. Most people need a coach or an experienced swimmer to teach them those techniques, as they are so different from the movements involved in running, cycling, rowing, and other sports.

I would suggest getting into the pool and beginning a program similar to the one in the link above and trying to catch a lesson sometime soon to learn the basics of form (particularly with your hips and your arms - you need the S-curve if you don't have it yet!).

As soon as you've learned the form, your work-out will become so much easier. When you push yourself, swimming is extremely demanding physically, but the demands will become pleasurable rather than frustrating once you understand how your body should move in the water. And those movements absolutely become second-nature!

Keep at it in the pool! Once you've mastered the form, I think the versatility (it can be relaxing or exhilerating) and the pleasure of the unique pool environment will make it the perfect companion sport to your running (particularly because your legs really do get a rest in the pool).

Jul 29, 2007 8:06 AM

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