syberia
2/24/2008 7:44pm,
Hello all, I thought I’d post something on swimming in here, because there didn’t seem to be too much about it in here and I thought it might be good. If you don’t like it, press the “back’ button and all will be good again.
First of all my experience with swimming is as follows, between the ages of three and six it was pretty much just flailing around in shallow water (sometimes deeper water, but I managed to survive), from the age of six or seven (and is ongoing) I have been a member of my local squad team, as both a swimmer and assistant coach. Not to mention water skiing and other such related activities.
I hold a current Lifeguard certificate and am assistant manager at my local (30m) pool. I am also a swim teacher. I do not claim to be a true expert or professional coach, but feel free to ask questions on techniques and methods, or add your comments, complaints or quotes if you like!
I know that many of you already incorporate swimming into your lifestyle, but I am just as sure that some of you couldn’t swim to save your life (no offence). You would be surprised at the number of people (adults and kids alike) that come in who’ve just never learnt or been around pools to learn how to swim.
Why swim? Well, that’s pretty strait forward. It’s fun. Mucking around in the water with mates is possibly the best solution to a hot day ever. Even just jumping in and doing laps is an awesome way to cool down. And it has benefits that out of the water exercises don’t.
Swimming is an excellent way to improve your cardio, all round fitness and muscle development. Because you’re in the water, there is less strain on your joints, meaning it is excellent for those recovering from injuries. (see your doctor before beginning any regime of exercise ;) ) Also, the more experience you have in the water, the safer you are in it. If you ever get into trouble, you are less likely to panic.
For those who want to do serious fitness training, laps are the way to go. If there is a casual squad at your pool, check them out. I like to get in and do about a 1km swim, mixture of all six strokes. But you can add or take from that amount any way you like. Others love to do sprints, or endurance swims, or a lot of specific drills (kicks, pulls etc) depending on the area who want to improve on most. For those with sore or injured shoulders, I would suggest backing off from out of water recovery strokes (especially butterfly) as it may hinder your recovery. Those with dodgy knees don’t push your self to include breaststroke and Survival back, as the flick kick can be detrimental. But consult your doc/physio as to your own specific needs.
For those looking for less intense fitness or who don’t enjoy laps then water aerobics classes can be found at most complexes that run classes. If they don’t, then enquire and see if you can get enough interest together. As before, it has similar benefits to normal aerobics, without the strain on your joints. Being in the water means that there is more resistance to your movements, this builds up more of a natural strength. While at the same time, there is natural buoyancy, making balance and many movements easier. This is excellent for those recovering from injury, because of its slower, gentler nature. Also good for those who’re pregnant, there shouldn’t be any danger to the baby what so ever.
For those who have never been swimming and wouldn’t have the first clue as to how it works, go to your pool (try and go with mates, it’s safer) and see how you go as far as confidence in the water. Some people are fine until they get out of their depth; others can’t get their face wet. I would suggest looking into swimming lessons, most pools should run them. If you don’t want to, or don’t have access to lessons then all you can do is keep trying until you build up a natural confidence. If you have friends who can swim at any degree, getting them to come along as moral support is awesome. Play. Play games, muck around where you can stand. Get used to moving in the water at a depth you can handle. But honestly, and don’t feel embarrassed, swim lessons are the way to go.
At a beginners level lessons should include: practicing floating and gliding, getting your face wet and getting things off the bottom of the pool, water familiarity and general safety rules. As you move up, strokes and rescue techniques will be included, depending on you teacher, the program and the pool. Even if you can swim and want to fine tune your strokes, you will find a level for you. Lessons should run for (and all teachers should be able to cater for) all swimming levels.
Attire:
What you wear while swimming will depend on what you’re doing. For laps/ lessons you should wear tight fitting bathers (bathing suits, swim suits, togs). Loose clothing such as board shorts, baggy shirts and such will only hinder you. Though if you are doing lessons you will be required to prove you can move in them and remove them in the water at some point. Cap and goggles are also suggested, but not required. A cap does keep your head warm and improves aqua dynamics. Latex ones can be nasty, so go for silicon. Goggles are to keep your eyes safe. Swimming pools are required to use chemicals to keep them clean and safe, so chlorine is a factor (for more info on pool chemicals ask me, or see your local pool). This will sting your eyes after long exposure, or if the balance of the pool is off, or if you are sensitive to it. Get yourself a good pair if you’re serious, cheap supermarket ones don’t last. Australians, Speedos’ or Zoggs’ are the safest bet, other countries- sorry I don’t know much about your markets. For those who want to go further with their swimming you can find a lot of equipment. Flippers, help your kick technique and strength. Pool buoys, held between the legs to build strength in arms. Kickboards are very good for your kicking, get one. There’s more, if you’re interested ask, or see your sports store.
Open water swimming, generally wear warm things. Wetsuits, boardies and rashies are all good. Keep away from some polo tops or cotton shirts, as they suck the heat away like a vent. And keep a lifejacket (PFD) handy.
Keep in mind that at a pool you will be supervised, as there should be a lifeguard on deck at all times. They are your friend, if you experience trouble, hurt yourself or feel very tired, find them and let them know. If you need assistance in the water put your hand up to signal. Asthma sufferers keep in mind you condition and have your Ventolin handy, if you have an attack, the lifeguard should see it and help you.
If you guys want to hear more on techniques, different water areas, kids lessons or have other questions I’m happy to answer them. I also know about open water safety and teaching, not just pools. If I cant answer I’ll research ‘till I can, but I’m sure many other bullies who swim will be just as helpful.
Sorry if it’s to long.
First of all my experience with swimming is as follows, between the ages of three and six it was pretty much just flailing around in shallow water (sometimes deeper water, but I managed to survive), from the age of six or seven (and is ongoing) I have been a member of my local squad team, as both a swimmer and assistant coach. Not to mention water skiing and other such related activities.
I hold a current Lifeguard certificate and am assistant manager at my local (30m) pool. I am also a swim teacher. I do not claim to be a true expert or professional coach, but feel free to ask questions on techniques and methods, or add your comments, complaints or quotes if you like!
I know that many of you already incorporate swimming into your lifestyle, but I am just as sure that some of you couldn’t swim to save your life (no offence). You would be surprised at the number of people (adults and kids alike) that come in who’ve just never learnt or been around pools to learn how to swim.
Why swim? Well, that’s pretty strait forward. It’s fun. Mucking around in the water with mates is possibly the best solution to a hot day ever. Even just jumping in and doing laps is an awesome way to cool down. And it has benefits that out of the water exercises don’t.
Swimming is an excellent way to improve your cardio, all round fitness and muscle development. Because you’re in the water, there is less strain on your joints, meaning it is excellent for those recovering from injuries. (see your doctor before beginning any regime of exercise ;) ) Also, the more experience you have in the water, the safer you are in it. If you ever get into trouble, you are less likely to panic.
For those who want to do serious fitness training, laps are the way to go. If there is a casual squad at your pool, check them out. I like to get in and do about a 1km swim, mixture of all six strokes. But you can add or take from that amount any way you like. Others love to do sprints, or endurance swims, or a lot of specific drills (kicks, pulls etc) depending on the area who want to improve on most. For those with sore or injured shoulders, I would suggest backing off from out of water recovery strokes (especially butterfly) as it may hinder your recovery. Those with dodgy knees don’t push your self to include breaststroke and Survival back, as the flick kick can be detrimental. But consult your doc/physio as to your own specific needs.
For those looking for less intense fitness or who don’t enjoy laps then water aerobics classes can be found at most complexes that run classes. If they don’t, then enquire and see if you can get enough interest together. As before, it has similar benefits to normal aerobics, without the strain on your joints. Being in the water means that there is more resistance to your movements, this builds up more of a natural strength. While at the same time, there is natural buoyancy, making balance and many movements easier. This is excellent for those recovering from injury, because of its slower, gentler nature. Also good for those who’re pregnant, there shouldn’t be any danger to the baby what so ever.
For those who have never been swimming and wouldn’t have the first clue as to how it works, go to your pool (try and go with mates, it’s safer) and see how you go as far as confidence in the water. Some people are fine until they get out of their depth; others can’t get their face wet. I would suggest looking into swimming lessons, most pools should run them. If you don’t want to, or don’t have access to lessons then all you can do is keep trying until you build up a natural confidence. If you have friends who can swim at any degree, getting them to come along as moral support is awesome. Play. Play games, muck around where you can stand. Get used to moving in the water at a depth you can handle. But honestly, and don’t feel embarrassed, swim lessons are the way to go.
At a beginners level lessons should include: practicing floating and gliding, getting your face wet and getting things off the bottom of the pool, water familiarity and general safety rules. As you move up, strokes and rescue techniques will be included, depending on you teacher, the program and the pool. Even if you can swim and want to fine tune your strokes, you will find a level for you. Lessons should run for (and all teachers should be able to cater for) all swimming levels.
Attire:
What you wear while swimming will depend on what you’re doing. For laps/ lessons you should wear tight fitting bathers (bathing suits, swim suits, togs). Loose clothing such as board shorts, baggy shirts and such will only hinder you. Though if you are doing lessons you will be required to prove you can move in them and remove them in the water at some point. Cap and goggles are also suggested, but not required. A cap does keep your head warm and improves aqua dynamics. Latex ones can be nasty, so go for silicon. Goggles are to keep your eyes safe. Swimming pools are required to use chemicals to keep them clean and safe, so chlorine is a factor (for more info on pool chemicals ask me, or see your local pool). This will sting your eyes after long exposure, or if the balance of the pool is off, or if you are sensitive to it. Get yourself a good pair if you’re serious, cheap supermarket ones don’t last. Australians, Speedos’ or Zoggs’ are the safest bet, other countries- sorry I don’t know much about your markets. For those who want to go further with their swimming you can find a lot of equipment. Flippers, help your kick technique and strength. Pool buoys, held between the legs to build strength in arms. Kickboards are very good for your kicking, get one. There’s more, if you’re interested ask, or see your sports store.
Open water swimming, generally wear warm things. Wetsuits, boardies and rashies are all good. Keep away from some polo tops or cotton shirts, as they suck the heat away like a vent. And keep a lifejacket (PFD) handy.
Keep in mind that at a pool you will be supervised, as there should be a lifeguard on deck at all times. They are your friend, if you experience trouble, hurt yourself or feel very tired, find them and let them know. If you need assistance in the water put your hand up to signal. Asthma sufferers keep in mind you condition and have your Ventolin handy, if you have an attack, the lifeguard should see it and help you.
If you guys want to hear more on techniques, different water areas, kids lessons or have other questions I’m happy to answer them. I also know about open water safety and teaching, not just pools. If I cant answer I’ll research ‘till I can, but I’m sure many other bullies who swim will be just as helpful.
Sorry if it’s to long.