Swimming

Storm3y

Storm3y

Storm3y

Associate
Joined
29 Dec 2009
Posts
783
Location
Beijing
Been looking at taking up swimming in the new year to get some exercises. Not been swimming for around 10 years now and got a relatively new swimming pool near my house.

I'm wondering what swimming shorts are fashionable these days. Looked in a couple of sports shops today and all they seemed to have in the swimming section was swimming trunk boxers that looked like this

Are those the in thing these days?
 
I'd just suggest wearing whatever feels comfortable, it's unlikely that most people will care about what is fashionable provided what you're wearing does cover the appropriate bits.

I generally prefer swim shorts which are a bit looser but it's only personal preference.
 
Been thinking of doing this as well, I've got an old pair of swim shorts that I was going to use, the ones with the internal netting to keep everything under control.
 
Yea when I was a little kid I never used to like baggy shorts but I used to be in a swimming club.

Might get some of those jammers.
 
Ended up getting those swimming boxer trunks. £6.99 from Sports Direct. The swimming starts from tomorrow morning.
 
So ended up going swimming this evening. I'm so unfit I couldn't even do a length without stopping half way. I never remember swimming being that difficult.
 
I've been swimming regularly for just over a year now after not swimming for well over a decade but only because the new gym I joined has a pool otherwise i probably wouldn't bother. I tend to finish off a heavy session in the gym with a light swim just to ease off, keep things supple and moving. I have though vastly improved, particularly over the last few months.

I tend to stick with just my gym shorts tbh. If it's nothing serious then there's no reason to use anything else. Goggles are a must though.

My only tip for swimming is not to go too quickly too soon. Instead, practice getting into a good rhythm and routine. The speed will then come on it's own :)
 
I stopped swimming in my teens, but started again about 4-5 years ago. When I first went back I found it soo hard! like you say, not being able to do a single length without either, stopping half way or really struggling.

Huddy's top tip there... just pace yourself and take your time. Get the rhythm spot on before anything else. My problem was that I used to rush everything...

Which is one of the reasons why I hate walking. Why walk when I could run! :D
 
Went tonight instead and other than it being full of screaming kids it was pretty good. Just did 12 lengths of breast stroke to start and didn't feel too bad. Definitely got the heart rate up a bit which was nice. Onwards and upwards.
 
Yup, stamina in the water and stamina on land are two very different things. I too used to swim in my teens, competitively. Used to do 5km in a 2 hour training session, 4-5 times a week. I'm back into swimming now and doing 2.5km in 40 minutes regularly (don't have enough time for longer sessions!). The stamina comes back but it takes work!
 
I can't even do a full length, I'm out of breath and about to keel over by the time I get to the middle of the pool, I might have to go to the learn 2 swim classes so I can do widths.

Any of you got any recommendations? Would taking up running on those treadmills be better
 
Just do what you can and keep doing it. Remember you're not trying to fight your way across the pool - a smooth and relaxed stroke is key, though I appreciate that is easier said than done! Can you get into a side lane, so you're at least able to grab the side when you're out of breath? Just be regular with your break times (do half a length, stop for 20 seconds and then do the next half.. repeat). You'll be up to a couple of lengths at a time pretty soon! Then you'll be able to work it up to 100m, 200m, 300m, 400m etc. without breaks.

Adult swim classes are a good idea if you're really struggling, but as with anything these days, the internet is a valuable resource. Try and grab some tips off youtube for whatever stroke you're doing and really concentrate on nailing the correct form. Keeping a good stroke will feel harder than your usual sloppy stroke at first but it'll be worth it in the end.

You could supplement your swimming with running if you like, but I'd urge you to stick to the swimming if you can. It really is the best form of cardio you can do, by far.
 
Storm3y said:
I can't even do a full length, I'm out of breath and about to keel over by the time I get to the middle of the pool, I might have to go to the learn 2 swim classes so I can do widths.

Any of you got any recommendations? Would taking up running on those treadmills be better
Click to expand...

You've been swimming once/twice now? I'd suggest giving it at least a dozen attempts because it's not something that you're likely to find instantly improves and remember that this is a longer term thing to improve your fitness. Don't rush into it and try to cram all your effort into getting fit into a week because that's likely to be counter-productive and off-putting, ease yourself into it and make it a lifestyle change - you'll probably enjoy it more and it'll be much better for you as well as something you're more likely to be able to keep up.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom