Starting swimming for fitness-any tips?

[Twerking9to5]

Just signed up for a 6 week swim membership at the gym. Desperate to get fitter and swimming has always been something I've enjoyed.

I can only do breast stroke at the mo but am pretty competent at it (I think?!). Today I swam 750 metres but I've no idea if that's good?! Should I be working on improving my time or spending longer in the pool doing more laps? Any tips on how to get the best out of it would be great. Thanks.

Try this, it helps :)

Swimming is a fantastic way to build fitness. As for whether 750m is 'good', well it is good that you are doing it and much better than no exercise ! The answer, IMO - depends on how it left you feeling. Were you out of breath? Physically tired (in a good way), but also energised, maybe a bit achy today? How long did you swim for? Could you have done more, practically and physically?

That swimfit site is great. I'd also highly recommend learning crawl to add to your options. I think breast stroke is quite difficult to get right and going fast is hard - a decent freestyle can give you a more intense workout more easily, will provide variety and is easier on neck and knees (no potential twisting motion in kick and you are less likely to hold your head at a weird angle which is common with breast stroke).

Thanks so much both! I've had a look at swimfit but need to take time to look properly.

sleep I felt energized and a bit achy today-exactly! I could have gone for longer physically - maybe another 10 laps - but I had an appointment to get to.

My swimming pool do a swim tag where you can time your lengths I think-maybe I should work on that. I def want to learn crawl-would like some adult lessons. I can't get the breathing right and feel self conscious trying it out!