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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 21:06

Surely there are swimmers on here as well as the vast numbers of runners?!?

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Cwm · 02/10/2011 21:18

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

babycham42 · 02/10/2011 21:19

I would incorporate arms and legs only into your swimming,as it will improve your overall stroke.Concentrate on the correct technique.

I would also devote some time to learning breaststroke.Start by lying on your back hugging the float to your chest and practising the leg kick.If you can also master breaststroke you will be using other muscles in your workout,plus it"s a lovely relaxing stroke for a long distance swim.

SazZaVoom · 02/10/2011 21:23

If you want to perfect your stroke and swim 'better' rather than train, then i can highly recommend the Total Immersion courses. Mine was fab and i learnt loads in a weekend. They give you drills you can practice too.

If i want to mix it up, i tend to try and do some mini triathlons - 2.5k or 5k run, 5k or 10k bike and 0.5k/1k swim

babycham42 · 02/10/2011 21:23

Cwm is correct.In crawl and backstroke the leg kick is important in that it controls the "roll" of the body caused by the arms although of course it does help propel you also.

Original poster
Wiifitmama · 02/10/2011 21:23

Thank you both! Very helpful! I like the idea of counting strokes. Yes, backstroke is more of a rest for me. When I swim laps, I stop at the end of each lap long enough to stand up,, turn around, empty my goggles and start off again, probably less than 10 seconds. Not sure.

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naturalbaby · 02/10/2011 21:24

i used to swim competitively and really struggle to do it on my own now. we had programes worked out for us and it was really varied, plus we were in small groups to keep up the pace.

when i get bored i work on technique, mainly arms as i only use legs for speed so try to do nothing at all with my legs and then do a few laps of just kicking. i do a lot of walking so prefer to swim mainly to work on my arms/shoulders.

SazZaVoom · 02/10/2011 21:24

Oh, and the total immersion training, said never use kickboards/floats as they actually damage your stroke - really not sirehow true this is. They were ALL about the breathing, arm and leg placement/movement in the water, not strength at all

Original poster
Wiifitmama · 02/10/2011 21:25

Sorry, cross posted with Sazazoom. Where do you find the triathlons? I did my first 5k run race today and have had in the back of my mind a triathlon, but I don't cycle! I am sure I could ride a bike if I tried as you don't forget how, but I haven't been on one in years.

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Original poster
Wiifitmama · 02/10/2011 21:28

Naturalbaby- that is really why I started doing it. I run so thought I needed something to tone arms and core muscles. I was surprised that my kicking was so weak last week as I thought running would have given me good muscles. I loved putting the float between my thighs and just using arms. I literally raced across the pool!

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Sleepwhenidie · 02/10/2011 21:30

Lots of good advice above.

In addition, in answer to your speed intervals question, yes you can do the same thing and it will vastly improve your speed and fitness and also burn lots of fat. Just do one length crawl as fast as you can, followed by one length recovery speed, whichever stroke you like. Repeat for 10-20 mins. Incidentally, I had a sports massage recently and was advised to do more backstroke to counteract the effect of all the crawl I do on my back muscles and chest so this is probably a good idea for recovery lengths Smile.

Finally, if you'd consider it I highly recommend aquasphere mask type goggles, no emptying out required Grin!

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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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

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!

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?

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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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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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.

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!!!!!!)

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.

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

Hellhasnofury- yes please!

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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 21:52

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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Sleepwhenidie · 02/10/2011 21:52

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

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?