Starting Swimming Tomorrow

[neonplanet40]

Hey guys,

Recently i had to go in for an operation and after wasnt allowed to do any sports etc for nearly 4 months. I have put on a bit of weight around my stomach and im not fit at all no more!

Now i dont want big muscles i just want to tone up. So is swimming good for this?

Also any tips on swimming for the first time like techniques and best swimming styles etc?

Any info is apprecaited thanks!

Mark

[tiggerai]

Hmmm...

First, take it easy... don't go over-doing it!

Yes swimming is very good for this as it allows you to use lots of different muscles.

Depends on how good your swimming is really - are you a complete beginner or can you swim?

[neonplanet40]

I can swim lol its just been a while. I think my fitness will let me down more than anything!

[tiggerai]

I can swim lol its just been a while. I think my fitness will let me down more than anything!

Didn't make that clear in your first post... no point me suggesting lengths if you can't do a width! Swimming is a very good way of getting fit after injury, as it's low impact and your weight is supported while the drag of the water will give you a good workout.

I would start off with 5 lengths at a steady pace with a 30 sec rest in between sets, alternate between strokes too... 1 set Front crawl, one set breastroke, one set backstroke etc. This will work out all your muscles.

Once you can easily do that, up the pace and the amount of lengths in between sets so that it's challenging you (i.e making you out of breath).

To keep it from being repetitive, do some stamina exercises like only legs for 2 lengths, hands in front. only breaststoke legs on your back, only arms in front crawl etc. (for sh**s and giggles - for me and the rest of the pool users - I throw in a random 2 lengths of Butterfly )

Any Q's on technique, let me know and I'll do my best to answer! Good Luck.

[neonplanet40]

Thanks very much tig Any chance you coming over here and giving me a demo!!!

I will post back tomorrow evening and tell you how bad it went lol

[tiggerai]

Thanks very much tig Any chance you coming over here and giving me a demo!!!

I will post back tomorrow evening and tell you how bad it went lol

Oh how much money I'd make from private swimming lessons for Geeks

Yeah, let us know how you get on! I'm in the same boat, apart from I'm able to coach myself!

[Dreaming]

swimming costs £4.20 a time in Leicester now

But I also have opted for it as my 'get fit' exercise. But I generally do a width or two, rest, and continue, have a chat, have a paddle... lol. I think my getting actually fit is a lost cause!

[neonplanet40]

i dont know how much mine is but £4.20 is expensive! £3.50 would be ok