Health & Exercise

Advice from swimmers??

I've been running again after taking a couple months off to whine about m/s and my knees are killing me!  I'm thinking I should try swimming to break things up so I don't kill my legs this early on.

I've never swam at the gym before and I'm not really sure about etiquette, form, workouts, etc.  (Also not excited about being in a bathing suit in my bloated form.)  Does anyone have any advice on getting started?  Any tips?

TIA!


BFP#1: 7/23/10, EDD 4/1/11, MC/DNC 9/29/10(14wks) Lilypie Angel and Memorial tickers
BFP#2: 1/12/11 CP (6 Weeks)
BFP#3: 6/26/11, EDD 3/4/12, Natural MC 8/5/11 (10wks) Lilypie Angel and Memorial tickers

Re: Advice from swimmers??

  • Don't worry, swimmers are generally an easy going, helpful crowd so you'll be great :). A little fyi re: lane etiquette: lanes generally go one of two ways (if sharing a lane). The first is 'circular swimming' where you and the person you are sharing a lane with swim down the left lane and back on your left again (swimming circles within your lane). The second way is when you do your laps on one side of the lane and the other person swims on their half (down and back). Does that make sense? Some pools also have  lanes assigned to swim speeds (slow, medium, etc) but some don't (usually marked by cones or a big sign). Um, what else, rinse off before you enter the pool, wear a swim cap if you have longer hair, and have a great time!I switched to swimming after being a runner (bc of bad knees) and it's the most fun workout and so efficient! 

    I am still swimming laps at 37w preggers-dont worry about the bloat! Haha!

    Regarding workout, that totally depends on your fitness level so can't help you there.

    It's so great though and as you progress, being in a pool is a lifesaver!

    Ask your gym when the busiest times are in the pool so you can avoid it your first few times and get your pace down, etc. 

     HTHs...

     

     

  • Loading the player...
  • All of what OP said and just ask first to share a lane.  If there's one swimmer in a lane I'll stand by the lane and ask when they take a breather.  If they stop at the other end, I'll just point to the lane and mouth, "Mind if I share?"  If they aren't stopping, I'll sit on the edge with my legs in and once they see me they'll usually swim on just one side of the lane so I'll jump in.  The general rule of thumb is to split the lane unless you agree on circular.
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker BabyFetus Ticker
  • I recently started swimming and bought the book "Get Wet, Get Fit" on amazon.com.  It was a lifesaver for me because it covered not only swimming etiquette, but also gear to use and technique for each stroke you want to swim. I found it especially helpful because it included underwater photos.  

    I hope this helps!  Happy Swimming :) 

    Here is the amazon link:  https://www.amazon.com/Get-Wet-Fit-Complete-ebook/dp/B0013YTGZ2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1284345925&sr=8-2

    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
  • try wearing a rash guard or UV shirt if you'd feel more comfortable.  they dry quickly and make you feel more covered up. 
  • also, depending on where you live, you could look for a water fitness class.  This would help your joints and you would not have to worry about etiquette.
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"