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Original poster

How to get better at swimming

21 replies

puppydustbin · 30/03/2022 21:23

I've had to give up running die to bad feet, so have taken up swimming.

I'm relatively fit, have run a half marathon recently, although not quickly.

I'm a size 18 and can only do breast stroke, just to give you an image. I do it properly though, with goggles and exhale under water etc.

I swim 40 lengths at a slow speed. Everyone is quicker than me.

I'm not that bothered really, but will j just naturally get faster or do I need to DO something. Do I need to be more (ahem) streamlined? Or does my upper body just need to get stronger.

Should I aim to swim further, faster or both?

OP posts:
YetiTeri · 30/03/2022 21:25

Technique will get you far. Look up YouTube tutorials. And the concentrate on breathing. The strength and muscles will come.

Grace1980 · 30/03/2022 21:30

I have had to ‘learn’ swimming as a regularly injured runner over the past 4 years. During my first injury I was the same as you - could manage breaststroke fine, but front crawl was a challenge! I started by breaking it up into 5 lengths at a time. I’d do those 5 lengths and take a break for a couple of mins. Then another 5 etc etc. i worked on my breathing and learned to breathe every 3 strokes so I was symmetrical! I set challenges like ‘30 lengths total today’ and then 40, then 50 etc.

I’m now injured again and I can swim front crawl at a steady pace quite easily without stopping for 45 mins. It’s just gradually happened, a bit like running gets easier / faster / further.

ElephantLover · 30/03/2022 21:33

I swim for exercise and love breaststroke. Apparently it's not great for the body to do it as exercise/many lengths etc. mainly because the knees have to rotate and can be injured in the long run. Also can hurt your lower back as it's an uncomfortable position for the back. My instructor (I signed up for an improver course for the same reasons - too slow!) has asked me to focus on front crawl as it is fab for the body in all ways. Breast stroke is only allowed for cool down Confused
Sorry to burst your bubble but better that you don't injure yourself.

ElephantLover · 30/03/2022 21:35

I did similar as @Grace1980. Did a few more lengths each time until I could do 6. Then did blocks of 6.

I watched a lot of YouTube videos to see how the pro swimmers have top technique.

nearlyspringyay · 30/03/2022 21:35

The most effective swim is front crawl. Breast stroke wrecks my hips. In a decent crawl you are more efficient, move faster and burn more calories if that's what you're after.

If you're not confident in crawl book a couple of 1-1 sessions.

Flockameanie · 30/03/2022 21:37

swimming is all (well, a lot) about technique. I taught myself front crawl as an adult, but got significantly better at it after some coaching. So might be worth getting a few 'lessons' or some coaching so you can some feedback on what and how to improve.

After that stuff like core strength, upperbody (primarily shoulders), strong kick, cardiovascular fitness comes into it.

areallthenamesusedup · 30/03/2022 21:38
  1. Have a google at Shaw techniques for swimming.

Lots of videos on line, plus they do classes too.

  1. If you want to get fitter do splits: intermittent fasts, then slow.

  2. Have a lesson or two to sort techniques.

Gladioli23 · 30/03/2022 21:44

If you're happy doing breaststroke with your face in the water then I would try and hold more air in your tummy (like yoga breath sort of) so your legs and bottom float better. Once you are comfortable floating properly so your legs aren't dangling down too much you can also practice breathing by turning your head to the side. Don't worry if you favour one side over the other - I can still only breathe properly on one side and swim loads. In terms of breathing if you turn your head slightly backwards as well as to the side, your head creates a wake that gives a gap in the water so you don't have to lift your whole body to breathe - I don't know if that make sense.

I'd also say that with front crawl I find I feel tired after about 8-10 lengths but if I just ignore it and carry on then I don't get any more tired.

lljkk · 30/03/2022 21:47

Adult lessons are a thing; a few adult lessons would be your most efficient path to fast improvement. Just try one lesson, with aim to improve strokes you are already confident doing.

I can't believe you're slower than people at my pool. Go on, how long would it take you to swim 50m (typically 2 lengths)? The slowest people at my pool are > 2 minutes for that.

FusionChefGeoff · 30/03/2022 21:51

Try adding in a length of crawl every 5th length.

Original poster
puppydustbin · 30/03/2022 22:30

Thank you everyone.

I've never learnt front crawl so definitely would benefit from some lessons. I'll investigate .

OP posts:
Original poster
puppydustbin · 30/03/2022 22:34

I'm now looking at YouTube videos on learning front crawl!

OP posts:
sweatergirl · 30/03/2022 22:46

Get some lessons! I had a few lessons some years ago, I was always a breaststroker like you and now I swim front crawl. It’s sooo much more comfortable, more efficient and quicker! I highly recommend getting lessons, even two or three will make a huge difference.

ZenNudist · 30/03/2022 22:51

I think you just build up. Try a length of front crawl interspersed with the breast stroke you feel comfortable with. I used to rest but worked up to swimming an hour front crawl occasionally add a length of back stroke for variety without stopping.

LostOrFound · 30/03/2022 22:52

Agree that swimming is technique. Lessons have helped me no end.

lomoloko · 30/03/2022 22:59

I really recommend the Total Immersion course. I did it ( a one day) and got loads out of it. It's expensive though, so, you know, you can also just watch the videos on Youtube probably.

emmathedilemma · 31/03/2022 12:21

I did a block of 1-1 lessons to learn front crawl and it was well worth it. She did a couple of bits on my breastroke technique but tbh, i've doing my legs that way for 30+years so it's a hard habit to break! That said, my breastroke is still faster than my crawl! I think general strength also comes into it, I can feel it in my arms when I've not been swimming for a while, and if you want to go faster you have to pull harder / kick harder and put more effort it.

LostOrFound · 31/03/2022 14:14

@lomoloko

I really recommend the Total Immersion course. I did it ( a one day) and got loads out of it. It's expensive though, so, you know, you can also just watch the videos on Youtube probably.
My partner did this and it transformed his technique.
bruffin · 31/03/2022 14:18

See if your local council do adult swim classes. I did them for about 15 years!

sweatergirl · 31/03/2022 16:58

Meant to say, you might find the lessons cheaper than you think! I had two private lessons and a group lesson and my swimming improved no end! The group lesson was especially cheap!

Original poster
puppydustbin · 01/04/2022 18:41

My council pool has 'swim doctor' sessions for £10.

I'll give them a try.

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