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Original poster

Swimmers advice please

61 replies

Wiifitmama · 02/10/2011 20:40

i started swimming for fitness two months ago. I swim twice a week (I also run and do aqua aerobics twice a week each as well as box once a week so can't fit in more swimming).

I started slowly and built up to doing 40 laps of a 25 m pool (1 km). I alternate 2 laps front crawl with 2 backstroke.

Last week I spoke to a friend of a friend who is a swimmer who told me I should incorporate other training laps such as using a kick board to strengthen my kicking, and a leg float using just my arms. I did this once last week and loved it. It made me realise that my kicking is not strong, but my arms are very strong.

So I want to continue training rather than just swimming but wasn't sure what to do next. With running, I do one straight 5k run each week and one run of speed intervals. Do I do the same with swimming? One swim straight laps and one with training laps? Or always mix it up with both? What else should I be doing? I should probably mention now that I can only swim two strokes - front crawl and backstroke.

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Original poster
Wiifitmama · 02/10/2011 22:07

Very interesting. I will try it out tomorrow with my legs that way.

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hellhasnofury · 02/10/2011 22:06

Legs on front crawl are mainly used for balance unless you're sprinting.

SazZaVoom · 02/10/2011 22:05

You don't kick with the legs, you stroke them up and down in quite a slow beat with the feet turned downwards

SazZaVoom · 02/10/2011 22:04

The arm movement is quite weird, like a marionnette doll. There is NO forced power through the arms, it all comes from the core. I thing this is why they don't favour using floats as you can't get the proper rotation.

I loved my course, was fab, and even if i don't look as effortless as the video, it is a very calm & serene way of swimming

Original poster
Wiifitmama · 02/10/2011 22:04

Very interesting video. He is barely using his legs at all. That makes me feel better about the weak kick I seem to have :)

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SazZaVoom · 02/10/2011 22:02

lol Hellhas Grin

hellhasnofury · 02/10/2011 22:02

Total Immersion! That was it

hellhasnofury · 02/10/2011 22:01

Sleep-DD's squad use various drills when training Inc the one you describe. I think that one helps them to think about bringing their elbow up rather than swinging the a out wide like lots of swimmers do. They also swim 'catch up' where the hand enters the water and pauses til the other hand catches it up and knocks the first hand on.

SazZaVoom · 02/10/2011 22:00
. So effortless. They show above and underwater skills
hellhasnofury · 02/10/2011 21:56

There was a book out s while ago which was highly rated but lots of coaches I seem to remember. Have you looked at www.swimshop.co.uk to see what they've got in the way of resources?

Original poster
Wiifitmama · 02/10/2011 21:55

Really? Wow! People always tell me how eccentric unique I am :)

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Sleepwhenidie · 02/10/2011 21:55

naturalbaby I am curious re you point on stretching forward...I was once shown a drill technique for crawl which involved "saluting" on each arm stroke (touching temple), just before hand enters water, followed by a full arm extension when submersed...is that wrong?

Sleepwhenidie · 02/10/2011 21:52

Wiifitmama, are you actually me?! Parallel lives Grin!

Original poster
Wiifitmama · 02/10/2011 21:52

No contacts for me I'm afraid.

Yes, I am trying to work on technique. I had a couple of lessons a few years back as a refresher and although I didn't swim afterwards for various reasons, I do remember what I learned. I also did a it of YouTube watching this month to get tips.

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naturalbaby · 02/10/2011 21:49

am v.impressed and jealous about how much you're doing! it's what i'd love to be up to in a few months when my baby is a bit older, and i love the idea of triathalons but am not great on a bike, we only have off road type bikes in the garage with a trailer on the back for the kids.

i think the main thing to work on is technique but is quite hard to advise. the main thing to focus on is to stretch your arms out really far ahead of you. i see a lot of casual swimmers putting their hands in the water near their head - too close! you need to use the full length of your arms to pull through the water.

are lenses a definate no? i struggled for years with goggles, can't see a thing without my glasses, had some prescription ones then just gave up and wore my lenses with proper/better fitting goggles.

Original poster
Wiifitmama · 02/10/2011 21:47

Hellhasnofury- yes please!

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hellhasnofury · 02/10/2011 21:43

I can ask DD tomorrow what type of programme she works to if it helps. She's 21 and still trains with a club 5-6 times a week.

babycham42 · 02/10/2011 21:43

X posted again!

I"ve never worn goggles as I find them such a nuisance.Sometimes my eyes get sore but often not really that noticeable (perhaps I"m immune after years of swimming without!!!!!!)

babycham42 · 02/10/2011 21:41

Sorry x posted re:goggles.

Have to admit that goggles are one of my pet hates,but I can understand if you really cannot see well enough to cope without.

Original poster
Wiifitmama · 02/10/2011 21:39

No goggles? How would I see in the water? My eyes would burn from the huge amounts of chlorine they put in.

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Original poster
Wiifitmama · 02/10/2011 21:38

My dh is a cyclist too so I could use his bike. No idea when I would fit it in though. I already exercise 6 days a week, home school my kids, and run the household!

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babycham42 · 02/10/2011 21:37

There are different methods used in teaching swimming as in everything.Correct breathing and movement in the water are of course vital but I use floats in order that one area may be concentrated on.

It is true though that floats can easily be dispensed with in some cases.For example breaststroke legs can be practised on your back with just crossing your arms across your chest. Not so easy to practise legs only on your front with no float though. I think it can help front crawl breathing technique just to do a one arm practise using a float - this means you can really focus on your head position in the water.I would always move on to a full stroke practise after,however - for example to practise bilateral breathing.

It is down to individual choice.

Wiifitmama could you dispense with the goggles to make your turn around immediate at the end of the length?

Sleepwhenidie · 02/10/2011 21:36

Wiifitmama you will probably find the swimming improves your running too, it apparently is the best exercise for increasing lung capacity/performance so you should get a knock on effect when running. I started running this year (previously much more of a swimmer) and definitely think this is true.

I have vague notions of taking up cycling and doing a sprint triathlon too Smile. DH is a v keen cyclist so full of advice re bikes. I have just started kickboxing though, so maybe one thing at a time! I'd be interested to hear how you get on if you get on a bike and go for it though!

SazZaVoom · 02/10/2011 21:34

I use Maru goggles - buy them in TK Maxx or on Amazon. I never have to empty them unlike some better known brands Hmm

I do my own triathlons at the gym. They did run one big event and i actually won my age/sex category so was very chuffed. Now if i have an hour i will do 2.5k run/10k bike/0.5k swim or 5k/10k/1k if i have 1.5hrs

Original poster
Wiifitmama · 02/10/2011 21:32

I like the idea of speed intervals. I may try that tomorrow. Thanks!

I have prescription goggles. I hate them as they are a poor fit. But I can't afford others at the moment. It is on my list for the future though if I keep swimming.

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