Swim Workouts...

Are there any swimmers out there— I am wanting to jump in the pool and cross train. My goal is to get in the pool 2 x a week to cross train. I am also plaining on running my usual 3.5 miles. I have never designed a swim workout. I am researching online. If you have been a swimmer ...can you please give feedback on effective workouts.

My goals are to continue to drop body fat and I thought the pool would be great because you work all core muscles and the water is great resistance.

PD

i run (a lot. like, everyday). ive always been too afraid of swim workouts because swimmers have big arms and broad shoulders. running is kinda harsh on the body though after an extended period and swimming is very low impact

Xun - I have heard this as well about the belly fat ....especially the dolphine workout. Wow!!!

I love ewe - I have been running a lot lately. I am recovering from an IT band injury a few years ago and thought it would be good to mix up the cardio. I am just now finally back to running to my full potential and I am a little super cautious now. So I thought the pool would be a great way to mix up the cardio. I am averaging about 14 miles a week in running. As for broad shoulders and strong arms ...I lift every week so I am already pretty broad ....plus I have big boobs ...*Sigh* THE CURSE!! I am not broad and big like a man ...more athletic and I am fine with this. I think swimmers and volly ball players have great physiques ....nice, leand and sexy. 😛 Look at Amanda Beard US olympic swimmer.....or Dara Torres ...I would kill for her abs.

PD

ohhhh then yeah, i think swimming would be a great alternative for cardio in your case!

Awww thanks Moon Eyes!! I like your new pic too. 🙂

I am loving my swim workouts. I am working out with a gal in the pool who used to be a water polo player. I have learned to do the fly. I am sooooooo excited. Now that I am learning to swim properly I am loving swimming. It really challenges me and kicks my butt. I am up to 900 meters in the pool. 🙂 Me and my swim work out buddy have decided to complete a sprint tri-athlon next spring. She trains me in the pool and I train her on running. So far it is a good synergy. We thought we would get into a cycling class to get that piece out.

BTW - I have lost 2 1/2 inches off my waist-line. 🙂 Soooooo excited about this. My back muscles are getting nice and lean and burning body fat around there. 🙂

PD

Firefly - Thanks for the great recommendations. The water aerobics they have at my gym are more geared for seniors. I am not sure if it would challenge me enough. :\ They don't have water spinning ...that sounds amazing and challenging. I don't swim every day....it is usually 2-3 times a week max. I have been swimming up to 1000 meters (25 meter pool). I do take breaks in between 200 meters. So far I have not really been swimming for time. I have been working on perfecting strokes, breathing, and endurance. I have noticed with giving a break on my legs, my running has improved a lot. Some days I run and swim and other days I do one or the other. My abs are starting to get really firm ....I honestly think if I perfected my diet I can get those six pack abs ...this has never happened before. I am just amazed how much it has transformed my body in the little bit of time I have been swimming.

I did find this article on swimming that I thought was extreamly helpful for a novice swimmer like myself.

http://articles.latimes.com/2009/jan/26/health/he-swimming26

Thank you again. 🙂

PD

Posted by FeistyAquarian
Swimming is such amazing exercise for your body. Running is ok too, I ran cross-country all throughout high school and I absolutely loved it, but ever since, my knees haven't been quite the same lol

I agree ....running so hard on the knees ....I think that is my motivation to cross train in cardio. I am coming off of IT band injury. It sucks!! 😢 I finished my first 5K race a few weeks ago ......good as gold though. 🙂

PD