Forums >Cross Training>Swimming question
under a rock
So, I'm playing with the idea of swimming for my cross training. I'm finding that spin class is starting to make me more aware of my IT band. I injured it on my left leg 7 years ago and am so paranoid of the injury coming back. So I was thinking of doing some swimming since I have access to a pool at the YMCA. I took a few swim lessons as a kid but other than that I know nothing about swimming.
What I'm wondering is if I should find some adult swim lessons or just go with what little I know? Does anybody have any tips for someone just starting swimming for cross training?
Hi Ashley
If the Y offers adult swim lessons take them. They will be well worth the investment at any price and your swimming will become a very positive experience quickly.
Swimming, in my opinion is a excellent choice for cross training.
If swimming lessons are not available look into getting the "Total Immersion" Book and video.
Best of luck and Happy swiming !
I am training for my first triathlon, and took a month worth of swimming lessons at my local YMCA in May. It was dirt cheap ($25) for 8 classes, most of which I did a noon, and the majority of which were incidentally private lessons. I couldn't really do any semblance of breathing and stroking, and my coach built it from nothing, and I managed to ACTUALLY swim 25m in something resembling a freestyle crawl by the end of the first lesson.
It was definitely worth the time - I am slowly working up distance, but it's a totally different workout from running - and rather refreshing, considering.
Do it!
3Days4Cure
I think swimming lessons are a great idea. Also, if you want a basic training program, check out this site:
Zero to 1 mile Swim
Chris PRs: 27:26 5k/ 49:52 5mi/ 58:17 10k/ 2:09:24 half/ 5:13:17 Full
Post-Bipolar PRs: 38:35 5k/ 1:09:34 8k/ 1:09:39 5mi/ 1:33:03 10k/ 3:20:40 Half
2022 Goals
Back to 10k
Swim!
I signed up for a Masters Swim Group in my area and stuck with it for almost 2 years - The combination of a new job with an earlier start time has kept me out of the pool since this past winter (the -30 degree mornings were a little rough too). There were some awesome swimmers in our Masters group, but the coach made the folks in the "rookie lanes" feel really welcome and always tailored the workouts for our ability. The Masters group in our area even let's newbies come and try a couple of sessions before making a commitment.
This spring I trained for my 1st marathon and I wish I had kept up with my swimming at the same time. I started to develop some IT Band issues. It may have occurred due to the added milage even if I had kept up with my swimming, but I think the extra/different leg workouts in the pool might have prevented it.
I may have just talked myself back to the pool!
Good luck and have fun!
I think swimming lessons are a great idea. Also, if you want a basic training program, check out this site: Zero to 1 mile Swim
+1, I've used and liked this program. It does assume a basic level of swimming, so if you really feel like you will sink before you get to the other side you probably don't want to start with this, but I'm by no means a great swimmer and I liked it. Then again, my gym only offers Masters swimming for adults at $235 a session (6 months)....ouch.
Beware, batbear...
We also have a forum dedicated just to swimmming. You can check it out for workouts and ideas.
Hope this helps!
2014 Goal -- Run 5X per week, pain-free (relatively) by end of summer.
shonan marathon, girl
take adult swim lessons by all means. it makes a big difference! i am no great swimmer, but getting in the pool or ocean or any body of water does something magical and makes me feel good. its summer so swim!
i think more runners should swim. this gives a good balanced workout for your entire body. plus you have an alternative cross training sport for your days off from running or when you have to stop running to nurse an injury.
i was afraid of deep water and the ocean my entire life. it wasnt until i hit 41 that i started to learn how to swim. it is the best thing i ever did. i cant imagine my life without swimming. i dont think i will be able to run forever, but with swimming i am sure that this will be the one sport that i will do until the end.
next race SHONAN MARATHON nov 3rd, 2012, OSAKA MARATHON nov 25th, i am aiming for nyc!
Ashley,
About 6 months ago I had the same idea. My kids were in the pool for thier swimming lessons and there were free lanes, so I figured I would test it out. I too could swim, but was not very skilled.
You mentioned that you worked on the freestyle and were going to work on breast stroke next week. I would recommend continuing that path and adding backstroke as well. Here is why:
I found that I could control my breathing very easily while swimming the breast stroke. It was very similar to a long slow run. I could get about 500 yards in before taking a break and 1500-2000 yards total. After about 2 months of only breast stroke, my IT band started to flare up a bit. Since then I have made a consious effort to incorporate the freestyle and backstroke as at least 50% of the workout. My IT band pain has been very minimal.
The freestyle was very difficult to learn the breathing, so I just mix the strokes up each lap: 50 freestyle, 50 breast and 50 backstroke, repeat.
It is a great cross training exercise and it will get easier. Build it up the same way you built up your running...slow and steady and don't expect to make the Olympics in the first week :-)
Every day we can get out and get some exercise is a blessing. Best of luck to you.
Tom
its polite to shower first!