File :-(, x, )
Anonymous
Morning /fit/. Recently I've become bored with running, so I've decided to start doing laps in my universities pool. However, it'll be the first itme for me to start, and I was wondering if there was any tips for begginers? Also, I was considering squash or tennis, which is better to play just by myself?
>> Anonymous
No swimmers on /fit/ today? D:
>> Anonymous
playing with yourself is always an option
>> Anonymous
Not a swimmer, but in the same position as OP.
I'm also curious.
>> Anonymous
Learn how to swim. Doing that sad, modified, old-lady breastroke is not going to give you a workout. It's also much more difficult to get in shape to swim than it is to run, so don't get depressed when you aren't up to two miles by the end of your first week.
>> Anonymous
>>260502
The OP pic and your phrasing amuses me.
>> Anonymous
Maybe start by learning all strokes, as obviously each makes your muscles work differently.
>> Anonymous
Odd thing I noticed when I first started lap swimming. Since it's so low impact, you don't realize how tired you are until you actually get out of the pool. My first or second time, I got out, and nearly vomited.
So, don't try to get too much done your first time
>> Anonymous
OP here, I should mention I took swimming lessons for about 7 years when I was younger, so I know a variety of strokes, but haven't actually done lap swimming as the base for my work out. Which stroke is most effective? I would think it's butterfly, but that takes time to be able to do it rigorously.
>> Anonymous
>>260528
Of course. And don't get out of the water immediatly after sprinting or a big effort, do a few low-speed laps to "relax". Also, breathing out in the water does wonders to your health (diaphragm, lungs etc), as the pressure forces you to "blow" harder.
>> Anonymous
>>260534
I get tired just THINKING about the butterfly stroke.
>> Anonymous
>>260534
What do you mean by effective?
In speed, front crawl is fastest...
For working out, i think variation is important, both in strokes, rythm and exercises. There must be numerous sites providing with training examples, my previous trainer had a "skeleton" that he adapted depending on his mood or time of year:
800m warming up (varying strokes, like 100m crawl 100m breast, repeat)
1km with pull buoy and legs attached (like 5x200m with 15' rest)
600 legs only, sometimes with zoomers
a bit of "technical work" to improve swimming
then series of speed laps, like 15x100m or 8x200m
200m resting
800m with hand paddles, again quite fast, usually to work on endurance
then resting again
of course that is just an example and would be too hard fo starting, but should give you ideas.
>> Anonymous
>>260556
Thanks, that actually does help. I was actually thinking it'd be jump in and do an hour of front crawl..
But variation looks like the name of the game. Also, I was wondering if anyone had tips with things like a proper warm up, things I should be aware before hopping in the pool.
>> Anonymous
>>260511
actually a lie, swimming burns a shitton of calories, apparently backstroke is best for this goal.
>> Anonymous
Well, as in any sport, warming up is important. Just don't go all-out nor too lazily... you should feel when your muscles/back/neck are ready for more action. Don't be fooled by the fact that the first laps will be easy...
All in all just be reasonable so you don't end up like a tailless shrimp. Swimming should tire you but should not feel muscular pain.
>> Anonymous
>>260570
Okay, now one more question.
I will be doing this during the school year, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, on Mondays and Wednesdays I only have a one hour break between classes at lunch, so I will probably eat, then jo.
My first class on Tuesday/Thursday starts at 10:30am, I have a break from 4:00-5:30pm as well. Should I swim during the later break? I'm scared if I do in the morning I'll be really tired throughout my 10:30-7:00 day..
>> Anonymous
>>260576
I don't know, i think i would swim on the later break. You'll only have 1h30 left and swimming is good to clear your mind, and you'll be "fresh" for a while, until the exhaustion really kicks in. On the contrary if you swim in the morning it will probably be hard at nap time.
>> Anonymous
>>260582
It does sound like the better choice, yeah. Plus it's just intro to Sociology, and anything I miss if I end up napping in class will be in the text, or I can snag a friends notes.