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Discussion: Swimming like a cement block
Subject: Swimming like a cement block By: S Patrick Written on: 2005-04-12 08:10:10 Message: I've been going to the swim center a couple of times per week for 45-1hr for the last 3 weeks and I'm just not getting it. I've spent some time at Barnes and Noble reading various swimming books and have tried to take some of those ideas back to the pool. Is it time for me to take some lessons? The breathing (of course) is my big problem, I've tried rolling better (more) taking more/less of a breath, blowing out a little throughout the stroke, alot in one stroke. My wife (who knows it all) says I'm trying too hard. Any thoughts? ScottP
Subject: RE: Swimming like a cement block By: Jamie Boward Written on: 2005-04-12 09:31:13 Message: Yes you actually should take lessons. That actually is the first step you would want to take unless you have or know a trained eye who can watch your stroke and relay what the books tell you to do. It is hard unless you have a swimming background to read something then apply it mostly because we can't see ourselves swim. SO what may feel right to you to a trained eye may be off by just a slight angle. I was like you my first year I read a lot and just swam a lot of distance then I hired a swim coach who I still work with and he keeps me up to date on changing philosophies and gives me workouts and lets me know when and where my stroke breaks down and what to work on. I went from just finishing the swim to now being in the top 15 percent of the swim in 3 years. IT is hard work and takes hours of practice and it is almost all technique but hey we wouldn't do this sport if it were easy!! My advice is take a stroke mechanics course or if the place where you swims offers time individually with a coach all you really need is 2-3 sessions of 30-60 minutes and they can give you enough info to keep you rolling for a while. It never hurts to take a refreshers course every 2 or 3 years since a lot can change in swimming over time good luck jamie
Subject: RE: Swimming like a cement block By: Ryan Patton Written on: 2005-04-12 19:38:10 Message: I just started with all this triathlon stuff and my biggest problem was the swimming. I had know idea what I was doing in the water. I hired a coach and had 4 swim lessons. Now I know the technique and the form and it has helped tremendously. I am still not that good of a swimmer but I am a lot better then I was before. Good luck.
Subject: RE: Swimming like a cement block By: Danna Tanner Written on: 2005-04-13 00:20:30 Message: I was a competitive swimmer and water polo player....18 years ago!! I'm a great swimmer now, yet I'm considering calling my old coach and having him help me polish my technique for better speed. My point being...AMEN to getting a coach!!! This being the most technical of the disciplines makes it even that more frustrating, however the cleaner your stroke....the more effecient use of your energy. It's worth it to get help!!! Hang in there...you'll get it!!! (Now....can someone help me with my running??????)
Subject: RE: Swimming like a cement block By: bob gracey Written on: 2005-04-13 10:03:39 Message: I swam competatively many years ago also. I would encourage you to get back with a coach. Swim techniques have changed greatly since I swam in college back in the 70's and 80's. Shoot, if I knew then what I know now... Can't help you with running. I can't do it either.
Subject: RE: Swimming like a cement block By: John Day Written on: 2005-04-13 23:21:05 Message: the whole key to running is to move your legs really FAST!! that is all i know about that.- forest gump
Subject: RE: Swimming like a cement block By: S Patrick Written on: 2005-04-14 08:47:18 Message: Thanks for the help, I start lessons on Monday! I'm hopeful this will help and will keep you guys posted. ScottP
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