swimming

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2/6/12 3:17 P

It's nice for one to challenge themself. I did it to lose some weight. As far as swimming I visit the wave pool which is a great cross training work out

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2/6/12 10:30 A

The Y (yes, I checked today) does have a later swim...but knowing myself later in the day makes for many excuses. I am going to aim for joining the Y this week.

Darn it.

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2/5/12 11:39 P

Great Job!!!

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2/5/12 11:21 P

I agree swimming at 5am is not appealing, although in my world nothing is appealing at 5am. I'm lucky enough that my jobs are such that I swim in the middle of the day while going between a morning and afternoon job. I don't leave exhausted and it seems to not aggravate my injuries too much. I swim 10 laps and then rest for 1-3 minutes before continuing.
Can you swim at night instead of in the morning?

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2/5/12 9:12 P

Inspired by all of you swimmers, the only sport I love. There was a time...yes not now...but there was a time when I would do 2 miles then kick-board and backstroke the last bit of the hour...and I wish I was in that shape now. That was in 2005.

I'd guess that I would have to stop between laps right now just to start getting in shape again...I really ought to get to the pool and get back to it.

5am seems so early though...(swear words) I need to leave excuses to the side and just do it!

To those lacking formation...do not worry about it. If you like the water and swimming in ANY style, you are doing fine!

Edited by: 3RDTIMEISACHARM at: 2/5/2012 (21:12)

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2/5/12 9:07 P

Swimming really is the best cardio exercise you can do and it doesn't feel like torture (at least that's how I feel about it). If you can swim and don't ache when you're done that you're doing something right. Feeling self-conscious about how you do it won't help you. Just know that you're moving and getting it done.

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2/5/12 6:19 P

Ronnie,
Thanks. I have to say it is worth every penny of my gym membership to be able to swim any day I want to. I love it. Maybe eventually I will take some lessons but I'm happy doing my half mile in 40 minutes and last week I even did a whole mile! My joints don't feel like I'm a hundred years old when I am done swimming like they do on the elliptical or treadmill.

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2/5/12 6:06 P

I just swim! I ignore the people who swim correctly.I think as long as you are moving,you are getting a fun type exercise.

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2/5/12 5:58 P

Thanks ANDILH,
A really nice man showed me how to do the stroke where you keep putting your face in and out of the water with each overhand stroke. I think he called it "freestyle". I tried it, but it drove me crazy with the water getting in my ears. I think I will get some ear plugs and try it again.

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2/5/12 2:01 P

Travln,
Watching your form can make swimming longer or further easier because your body moves more easily in the strokes. I swam in a swimming club from second grade through high school so I've always used proper form while swimming. However, the pool I swim laps in has people with all different abilities and I've seen people using all kinds of different techniques. It probably is easier to be injured if it's an awkward or complicated motion but if you've been doing the same technique for a long time you're probably okay. You could ask someone (a life guard or trainer at your gym) to watch you and give you tips if you think it's an issue.

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2/3/12 9:15 P

I'm just curious on the subject of swimming about "watching your form" as someone said. I never had real swim lessons so I don't really know what that means. I love to swim laps. I usually do a half mile in 40 minutes (18 laps Olypmic size pool). So when I swim I usually keep my face out of the water. I guess what I want to know is does it matter that I don't know the proper strokes? I'm not going for speed as much as a constant steady pace. Can a person hurt themselves in the water if you don't do the strokes right?

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2/3/12 9:04 P

Swimming is so good for you! I've been wanting to start swimming laps on my days off but I just need to make myself do it. :)

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2/3/12 9:02 P

I swam 32 lengths of a pool today as well. It was down from 42 that I was able to do last week. I did my laps in about 25 minutes. I've been swimming for a long time, but injured my back and couldn't do anything for almost 10 months. Don't overdue it is probably the best advice for anyone. Just keep going. Eventually you will become faster. Slow and steady can be better than fast.
Good luck!

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2/3/12 5:17 P

Whether you go faster or further, to maximize the benefits, you have to watch your form. You are doing SO great! WOW!

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2/3/12 3:53 P

Way to go. Faster sounds better, I hate to spend my time on exercising, then shower, and redressing. Keep a journal here on SP and you can follow your time and laps.

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2/3/12 2:35 P

I swam 32 lengths in 50 mins, im quite pleased with that, i think im going to try and get a bit quicker before i swim any further.