Exercise

[DrD]

So I have taken the plunge and started a weekly class with a swim coach and fitness trainer. She trains mainly kids squads, surf lifesaving and Triathlon none of which I am really aiming for. (Not a kid anymore, not into swimming at beach and seriously Tri's!!!) However, I'm in need of some weight loss and increasing my fitness.

My goal is to feel comfortable with my weight (read tummy fat) that I can wear speedos in the pool when doing laps...

Simple and easy - or so I thought... my first class/lesson/session (what ever!) was Thursday and I'm still sore and only now recovering... so that must mean it is doing some good right? (serious note I'm not that sore it just hit me hard to train for 1 hour solid with my current fitness level - I also need to hydrate more!)

So any advice or words of wisdom from you guys out there?

Thanks in advance... Oh and I bought a new pair of Speedo Endurance (blue) to help encourage me - only problem I may need a new size if I loose weight!

[Nate]

The fact you're still hurting definately means you're doing it right. It's your body's way of going "Holy shit, that was tough!" but it'll get a lot easier the more you go, trust me. As the old saying goes - 'no pain, no gain'.

I guess the only words of wisdom I can give you is to keep it up, listen to your instructor and don't get lazy!! If you start to dread your workouts, think of how you'll feel once you've finished and think of how you'll feel when you can put them speedos on without worrying about how you look. Surround yourself with motivational things - this forum is pretty good for that, photos and motivational people.

On your days off, go for a run, go for a swim, just to get your body used to raising your heartbeat and breaking a sweat, it'll all pay off in your actual sessions.

Keep us updated on how you get on! What kind of exercises does she get you doing? Is it mainly pool or mainly gym work - or both?

[PeterSF]

Start with a shorter time (30 minutes?) that leaves you tired and stretched but doesn't kill you for days. Then build up. You'll be surprised how quickly you can manage an hour, assuming you're pacing yourself and hydrating. Was she trying to make a point for the first session?

And think positive, your goal is to need smaller Speedos! Personally I don't like the Endurance fabric, feels too heavy and constricting. But all according to preference.

[DrD]

Thanks guys! I'm not sure what the motivation was maybe testing to see how fit (unfit) I am so the rest of the training can be tailored to that level.

All the workout is in the pool mixing up swimming and swimming style related things like running in water, kick board (leg work) and stroke technique - extending my swimming ability etc... Lots of short hard intense workouts with easy cool downs - like run to half way and easy swim back (freestyle). Man running in water is harder than it looks!

As I said she trains for Tri's so it's a bit different then just doing laps (which means it's not boring) only problem is she tried a technique where I was meant to stay afloat by using my legs only short sharp feet kicks (arms out of water) but I touch the bottom in this pool's deep end! So that was a fail!

I'm off again tomorrow so I expect the hurt again but as you said it will get better!

Thanks again good encouragement!