In a previous article, I wrote about my recent experience using swimming workouts to lose weight and get in shape. All you need to get started is a suitable pool to swim laps (25 yard pool recommended) and the determination to make something happen.
I started out by getting in good enough shape to walk two or three miles briskly six days a week. When I could comfortably do that, I was in good enough shape to swim. I found that I was able to swim over and back, rest a couple of minutes, and do it again. In my first workout, I was able to swim 400 yards that way.
At this point, beginners either get discouraged and quit, or they find a way to start swimming efficiently. There are two ways to do that. One way is to find a competent instructor and take a few lessons. I chose another way. I examined “how to” books that were available and found one that I liked. I then used the book to learn how to swim competently. Occasionally, I have an instructor watch me for a minute to see if there are any obvious flaws.
Five months later, I swim a 1500 yard workout very early in the morning six days a week. I am losing weight and getting fit. My sixty year old body is cooperating. I could not have achieved similar results by jogging or running; I would be nursing injuries if I had taken that path.
If you are ready to swim some laps, here are a few basics of the freestyle stroke:
– Forget about your kick for a while. For most swimmers, the kick is just a means to keep their legs from sinking. Do not kick hard, it will wear you out.
– Tilt your head forward as you move through the water. Try to keep the water level in front of you at your hairline.
– For each stroke, extend your arm as far as you can in front of you, pretend that you are reaching for the end of the pool in a race. When you have reached as far as you can, catch a handful of water and pull it back.
– Roll with each stroke. When your right arm is in front of you, your right side should be much lower than your left. Think of it this way, you want to create as little drag in the water as possible.
– When you turn your head for a breath, turn it only far enough to get air.
Only practice one of these at a time. Let me know if you have questions. Good luck!
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Ed is a Families.com Adoption Blogger. Read his blogs here.