Topic: Swimming

[Jonathan Hall ☆☆☆☆☆☆]

Anyone do it?

Started swimming again in the summer after about 20 years of not doing any at all.

Technique is how shall we say, err a bit shite.

Just after a few tips from people who are half decent at it, still can't quite get the breathing right yet and any decent speed.

And not even attempted to do front stroke yet.

[C]

this is little help for you, but i can run and cycle for hours with little effort

went for a swim the other day for the first time in almost exactly a year, struggled big time and my breathing was all over the place

so the moral of the story is, when you start - don't stop!

[killer-heels]

I go swimming at least 2 times a week.

If your doing backstrokes then just make sure the water touches the front hairline, extend your arms and do not thrash your feet around. Just flutter them about.

[Lady_brandybuck]

just keep practicing it.
there are a few exercises that you have to do before start swimming, so you can adjust your breathing to it.
The timing of the breathing depends on which distance will you swim. Another advice is that try to crawl, is not how fast you will do the strokes, is that with each stroke you crawl.
Also when you kick, try not to flex your knees.
And enjoy it!
I have to start swimming soon too!
I hope you understand this, because my english sometimes is not that good.

[buzzing]

I swim as good as an elephant

[Ciara (with a capital "C")]

I used to swim a lot. I remember the final day of school ever June, my Mum would take me to the local pool and buy me a book of tickets that lasted me for the entire summer. I lived within walking distance, so would go everyday, sometimes twice a day depending. Then I developed cholesteatoma in my ear when I was 10-11 and haven't been able to go since.

[Col]

I swim like a housebrick.

[jason42]

Mmmmm breast stroke.....

[Danny Boys Dad]

My lad used to have a swimming lesson once a week and we'd have a swim together when it was finished, we'd be in there for an hour or more and it was great.

Since he stopped his lessons we haven't been but I'd love to get back into it.

[Evo1975]

Anyone do it?

Started swimming again in the summer after about 20 years of not doing any at all.

Technique is how shall we say, err a bit shite.

Just after a few tips from people who are half decent at it, still can't quite get the breathing right yet and any decent speed.

And not even attempted to do front stroke yet.

I go 2/3 times a week and its all down to technique mate, concentrate on perfecting the stroke and the speed will eventually come naturally with it.  Try no to thrash about to much as it doubles your workload for each stroke and wasts energy. try to find a rhythm with your breathing that is comfortable with the pace you're going and then count your breaths for each length you do. Slow purposefull movements and make sure your complete to full range of the movement of each stroke and you'll see yourself improving in no time. 

[dutch_red]

I used to swim at least one of two times a week, but then I got a bad shoulder injury and stopped.
But I hope to be back in the water in a month time or so.

Only useful advise I can give is to enjoy the swimming. Get used to swimming on a regular basis before getting too worried if your techniques are right.
You can also ask the pool guards (especially when it's not so busy at the pool) if they can look at your techniques to give you some useful tips.

[DowntheLine1981]

Try to swim at least 4 times a week, depending on work commitments.  I love it, and like a few posters have said, its all about practice and developing muscle.  Its a great exercise, and excellent for people who might have problems with their joints or who are elderly.  KEEP IT UP!!

[Sorted!!]

I'd need to learn how to swim. At 28, I'm a bit shy to go for lessons although that would be a good form of exercise for me.

[DowntheLine1981]

I'd need to learn how to swim. At 28, I'm a bit shy to go for lessons although that would be a good form of exercise for me.

You should never be shy about wanting to learn new things mate, especially one that has great health benefits and might actually save your life!  Get your arse down the pool and start learning! Its a great way to meditate too, you can just switch off and have some 'me time'.  Can't encourage people enough to swim - I'm off the pool now myself!

[phonic]

I'd need to learn how to swim. At 28, I'm a bit shy to go for lessons although that would be a good form of exercise for me.

Me too mate, although I'm 23. I've just never learnt. Did some lessons when I was a kid, but I just couldn't get the hang of it and I've never been since. Most people assume it's because I'm scared of water, but it's not that. I'd love to be able to swim, just too embarrassed to get down a pool when I don't know how to swim.

[Danny Boys Dad]

Me too mate, although I'm 23. I've just never learnt. Did some lessons when I was a kid, but I just couldn't get the hang of it and I've never been since. Most people assume it's because I'm scared of water, but it's not that. I'd love to be able to swim, just too embarrassed to get down a pool when I don't know how to swim.

Once you get confident in the water, you'll love it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2VvcOHi2E8

[Danny Boys Dad]

This one was great as well

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45ViJp6Q_eE&feature=related

[dutch_red]

You should never be shy about wanting to learn new things mate, especially one that has great health benefits and might actually save your life!  Get your arse down the pool and start learning! Its a great way to meditate too, you can just switch off and have some 'me time'.  Can't encourage people enough to swim - I'm off the pool now myself!

Totally agree with you on that.
Some pools (not sure how it's in the UK, though) even have special swimming lessons for adults which might help you to start going.
And yes, for me it really is a moment for myself. Don't have to think about uni/work/other problems and just enjoy a little me time.

[Surprise me.]

used to go swimming every week but now i only swim on holiday and i can still do it perfectly which i was surprised with. You might already know this as its basic but i learnt to get my technique right for backstroke by making sure that my little finger was always the first to enter the water, and to get you started your arm should brush your ear or the side of your head in general as it enters the water. makes it easier to keep your arms straight because you do it without thinking.

[Danny Boys Dad]

And yes, for me it really is a moment for myself. Don't have to think about uni/work/other problems and just enjoy a little me time.

On holiday in France we went to a local pool and there was a woman enjoying a little "me time" with one of the waterjets just below the surface 

[dutch_red]

On holiday in France we went to a local pool and there was a woman enjoying a little "me time" with one of the waterjets just below the surface 

Whaha, shocking
In my pool we don't even have waterjets haha

[sinnermichael]

got banned from my local swimming baths. turns out the letter s had fallen off my speedo trunks and i hadn't noticed.

[JimmyGrunt]

got banned from my local swimming baths. turns out the letter s had fallen off my speedo trunks and i hadn't noticed.

BOOM BOOM

[royhendo]

Diffrent strokes for diffrent folks.

I love it now - used to hate it. Shame there are no effin pools down in Londonshire.

[Grobbelaar]

Used to compete in it but nowadays im in the pool just 4-5 times a month. Much more fun and relaxing when you dont have to swim till you puke.

[Dam]

I've never been a particularly strong swimmer, but recent practise has improved my ability tenfold. I go 3 times a week now and really enjoy it

[cornish exile]

Diffrent strokes for diffrent folks.

I love it now - used to hate it. Shame there are no effin pools down in Londonshire.

depends where you are in london mate. there are a few down there. anywhere near enfield??
there s albany pool on the hertford rd. used to go there  alot.

[KERRYKOP]

I hate swimming, all that effort and you're not even moving that fast, give me a jog any time.

[donut]

I hate jogging, all that effort and you're not even moving that fast, give me a bike any time.

[timiano]

I hate swimming, all that effort and you're not even moving that fast, give me a jog any time.

Swimming is as close to flying as we'll ever get. If you can't appreciate the serenity while in this state, as opposed to jolting up and down on the two things you spend most of your life perched on, then there is no hope. Nothing wrong with running though, but swimming is ace, and I can't understand why anyone would dislike it, let alone hate.

[Dr Cornwallis]

I go swimming at least 2 times a week.

*breathes hard*    You went three times the other week.   *breathes hard*

[Lady_brandybuck]

I prefer to swim than to jog, is liberating and relaxing... plus it helps my knees that are in a terrible state.
I almost was born in a pool, My mom was a swimming instructor many years ago. I used to practiced it a lot, then went to practice other sports now I want to go back to swimming, this time just for fun!

[Raul!]

Well, I'm much better than you at swimming then.

[KERRYKOP]

Swimming is as close to flying as we'll ever get. If you can't appreciate the serenity while in this state, as opposed to jolting up and down on the two things you spend most of your life perched on, then there is no hope. Nothing wrong with running though, but swimming is ace, and I can't understand why anyone would dislike it, let alone hate.

I like to listen to music while I'm exercising this is another factor. I do just hate it though always have.

[love:the:game]

Swimming's one of those things where it's easier to teach someone who's never done it before, than to teach someone who's learnt it wrong. I unfortunately fall in the latter category so tend to stay away from swimming pools on account of being absolutely shite. Plus public pools are mostly kiddy yoorine anyway so I can just about live with it .

[Jonathan Hall ☆☆☆☆☆☆]

Did a lot better tonight, not only in distance but breathing is slightly better, still shite mind.

[Mr Mojo Risin']

Did a lot better tonight, not only in distance but breathing is slightly better, still shite mind.

I hadn't been for around 12 years, started back by taking my tribe down there, and now love it. Still struggle to get a good set of laps going,maybe do 10 , but my lungs do not burn as much now as they did.
My wife can swim. Unfortunately.

[Jonathan Hall ☆☆☆☆☆☆]

I hadn't been for around 12 years, started back by taking my tribe down there, and now love it. Still struggle to get a good set of laps going,maybe do 10 , but my lungs do not burn as much now as they did.
My wife can swim. Unfortunately.

Managed 52 lengths tonight. Not the worlds biggest pool but spend about 45 mins in it. Two laps at a time and then a mins rest or so.

[Mr Mojo Risin']

Managed 52 lengths tonight. Not the worlds biggest pool but spend about 45 mins in it. Two laps at a time and then a mins rest or so.

Ah mate, that's sound. 52? fuckin hell!!! I couldn't manage that,even if i didn't have the kids there.
If allowed to concentrate them maybe bang out 25/30, but not a chance of over 50.
Well played.Or you're a duck.

[Jonathan Hall ☆☆☆☆☆☆]

Ah mate, that's sound. 52? fuckin hell!!! I couldn't manage that,even if i didn't have the kids there.
If allowed to concentrate them maybe bang out 25/30, but not a chance of over 50.
Well played.Or you're a duck.

THankfully as it's a hotel gym and pool it doesn't get too packed.

Was hoping to get to 40 then kept saying one more length as it means i have to do two.

Minimum tomorrow night is 52 again.