Swimming

Hai 2 u · May 1st, 2006, 08:15 PM

How highly would you recommend the activity of swimming for two hours a week? Basically, I don't do any exercise. The only exercise I do is jumping up and down the stairs at work occasionally, and some gentle lifting sometimes. I am 6'3" and 165lbs, so you can imagine I am quite slim. I would like to build both a bit of upper-body muscle and also really improve my general stamina and endurance. I have some weights but don't really know how to use them properly. Would swimming be a good way to start off?

Edit: Btw omg I can't believe I still have that 90% warn. It was little slip-up and I explained this maturely to Bruce (who still hasn't responded to my PM, even though I asked for this courtesy) *sigh*

H2U

bkwrm · May 1st, 2006, 08:20 PM

I jus started swimming laps in the am but my intentions are not to build muscle its for cardio i do 25 mins stairclimber and 25 mins swimming its deff a good work out,
im not to impressed with most personel trainers but you might want to give it a shot you got to start somwhere if your looking to build your upper body also take a good look at some of the stickys there are some good routines for wheight training and you might even find some videos of how there performed or even animations good luck and i say if you like to swim jus keep doing it anyway

**FitnessPhotos** · May 1st, 2006, 08:28 PM

I've reset your warning, hopefully we won't see a repeat of that.

I've been swimming for a few months now and I've found it to be a great endurence builder - I would say swimming along with some weight training would be a great way to ease back into it.

**ProfGumby** · May 1st, 2006, 11:34 PM

By all means, do it! Especially if it is the only cardio/endurance type exercise you are getting. Swimming is awesome and builds endurance as well as a very low impact cardio workout.

I used to swim like a fish, like 4 times a week! And when I went to Bally's, I swam as part of every workout.

Just don't cannonball in the shallow end........

thecameraguy99 · May 2nd, 2006, 12:21 AM

Swimming has been great for me as well. I have a slim build and I find swimming is a good upper-body workout and the cardio can't be beat as well as the increase in lung capacity (never a bad thing I've heard)
Good luck with it.

**burntrat** · May 2nd, 2006, 09:52 AM

wish i knew how to swim

**ultraman8** · May 2nd, 2006, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burntrat

wish i knew how to swim

put some armbands on and swim like there's a shark behind you. I'm sure you'll be able to get somewhere

its never too early to start learning !!

**burntrat** · May 3rd, 2006, 09:26 AM

i hate the water though
almost drowned twice

sam_theridge991 · May 3rd, 2006, 07:55 PM

I've just taken up swimming on friday afternoons and even after just a few sessions i can feel it's definitely doing me good. My back and shoulders feel more toned than they normally would be from weights alone and it's overall a highly enjoyable experience. I'd recommend it.

P.S. Getting the chlorine smell out of my hair is a right pain though.

ILLICON · May 3rd, 2006, 11:12 PM

every olympic swimmer is in great shape, it's really really really good excercise..

**Mean Machine** · May 4th, 2006, 09:13 AM

Crikey if i couldnt swim and there was a shark behind me i wouldnt need armbands shit i'd be like the man from atlantis, i'd be so fast there would be a focking great wake behind me!!!

Apart from that frightening thought swimming is awesome, taxes so many muscles, i recommend swimming to anyone thatlifts weights.

Hai 2 u · May 4th, 2006, 06:56 PM

Brilliant. Thanks for the replies and thankyou to FP for resetting my warn.

Well that's sold it for me. I am definitely going to take it up now. It needs to be done.

Thanks all.

H2U

whitesites · May 11th, 2006, 02:57 AM

I swam all through high school and I never could get my weight above 180. I am 6'4". If you want to put on some mass. You might need to give you body a little nudge with supplementation. Get some creatine, and hit the dumbells for bench, and incline. focus on the incline especially. This will help put meat where you are probably weakest.

thecameraguy99 · May 11th, 2006, 10:39 AM

Good luck with it. Let us know how it goes.

Hai 2 u · May 11th, 2006, 05:41 PM

I was waiting for a good time to start off my swimming routine, and tonight was my first session. I was in the pool for about 50 minutes and I only managed seven lengths of 25 metres. It just goe to show how unfit I am, and that was just taking it easy as well, just basic breast stroke. Got a few nasty cramps in my toes though.

It's funny, even after one session I feel great in my mood. Glad I am doing this...

Next week I aim for 8-10 lengths.

H2U