I want to improve my swimming

[toomuchlikemyusername]

Hi all

I am wanting to improve my swimming - I can do a basic breaststroke but struggle with doing any 'head underwater' stuff for more than half a length and have no chance of doing a front crawl, let alone attempt any side breathing!
I had basic swimming lessons about 40 years ago as a child but would love to be able able to build up my strength and stamina so I can do several lengths of front crawl.
Does anyone have any hints and tips please. I am totally in awe of people who can plough up and down the fast lanes for half an hour but I know that they didn't get there without considerable effort.
Where do I start? I also struggle with bad eyesight and goggles that endlessly fog up which aren't helping my cause
Thank you

I tried the swim smooth method and stripped my stroke right back and rebuilt it. It used to aggravate my shoulder but no longer. I just used the book because that's how I learn.

Get prescription goggles and then book a couple of 1-2-1 sessions it will make such a difference. A lot of it will be about building up stamina but if you stroke properly with the right technique it is SO SO much easier. A couple of session will give you the confidence to then work at it on your own.

My pool also did regular fitness swim sessions for any level, it was only a couple of quid and there were instructors to guide on a programme and elements of technique.

@GoWalkabout

I tried the swim smooth method and stripped my stroke right back and rebuilt it. It used to aggravate my shoulder but no longer. I just used the book because that's how I learn.

Thank you. I'll take a look at this.

idontlikealdi Good idea. I'll check to see if my local pool offers this.
Yes, I've pondered prescription goggles before but need to research in more detail. I did my usual quick look, got overwhelmed with the detail and left it unresolved. I'm my own worst enemy sometimes

You are supposed to have your head underwater for breaststroke.

I think goggle steam up when you are spending too long not under water, its the temperature change of the lenses.

Try booking some swimming lessons at your local pool, just saying what you've said here. A one to one once a month in between going on your own will have a huge difference on your strokes which makes it easier to swim and helps build stamina.

Easiest way to improve breaststroke is normally to correct timing of leg/arm kicks. You need tour head under to keep your body horizontal and streamline.

You shouldn't really swim in contact lenses but if you use disposal ones with googles and take them out as soon as you finish it's the "safest" way to use them. Book lessons, most instructors will do adult 1-1 sessions and our local "council" pool does small group adult lessons.

Agree with PPs… I had stroke analysis done by a Swim Smooth coach a while ago, made a HUGE difference. You need to learn about body position in the water, head position and breathing and various other things.

Re goggles….I find they will steam up if not underwater most of the time. If doing head up swim, can you wear glasses? Pptn goggles are amazing, I’m very short sighted and really struggles without them.

If you rub a bit of toothpaste then wipe it away inside your googles that will help. Or get prescription ones.

I agree if you can book a 1-1 lesson, you will be a lot better than you think you are, and just do lesson, then practise what you are taught for a while and book more as and when needed. You won't need weekly lesson as grown ups can understand and work on what the instructor says much better than kids do.

If you want to improve your front crawl breathing then try buying a small/medium sized float, hold it out in front of you with one hand, the other one you can use to practise breathing on that side. Then swap arms at the end of the length. You have to roll your head not lift it up, if you see what I mean. Very basic, but for example , go from your eyes looking down at the pool to then rolling your head to the side so your ear is then 'looking' down at the bottom of the pool. Then take your breath then roll your head back down.

id recommend prescription goggles too. I was a competitive swimmer for years and never had them, finally got them once id mostly finished competitive swimming but they make a huge difference and I wish I'd done it before! I got mine from specsavers.

one to one swim lessons would benefit you I'm sure. also you could see if there are any masters or triathlon swimming groups local to you.

as a swimming coach and teacher, something I found helps a lot of people, adults and children, is being able to float confidently in a relaxed manner, front and back. on your back a starfish position helps, try to keep breathing in a rhythm and your body relatively flat. on your front put your face in the water and blow bubbles, experiment with how your body feels in the water, eg press your chest down a little and see how that feels. being relaxed in the water makes a massive massive difference to how people are able to swim and progress.

depends how much kit you want but a snorkel may help you to build strength and technique in the stroke (front crawl) while you practise breathing separately. it doesn't take long to get used to a snorkel.