Trying to get into swimming

[IceWeasel]

Hi all

I recently found out that a friend (who is also a speedo lover) is doing some swimming at least twice a week. He convinced me to try it out and will be going down on the 21st for a swim session with him. I've already had a casual swim with him recently (speedos only of course) and enjoyed that but I guess I'm having a little more apprehension with more organised fitness I guess? Is there anything I can do to help blank out this mild mental block and just general prep before hand? I still intend on going just something to help cut the anxiety a little would be of great help.

[swimmy]

I'm a daily swimmer, well almost daily, i might miss one or two a week but I do want to encourage you to get into it. Swimming as a fitness sport can be beneficial for just about anybody. Start out easy and increase duration and distance slowly. You will need a coach of sorts, maybe some lessons. Because proper technique is crucial to reaching any goals plus reducing chance of injury. Trust me on this. Get technical training! Above all, have fun. Enjoy what that form of working out will do to your physical condition.

[rmf]

I know this sounds cheesy but take some time and watch some training videos on youtube. There are thousands of swim coaches out there creating videos for people just like you. Seriously, from the littlest thing like the angle your hand should enter the water to basic breathing techniques. I think it will give you some great basic tips which should help your apprehensions.

[Bostonswimmer]

I have been swimming daily for years. 100% speedo all the time. As for leaning to swim I agree watch some videos but also watch people around you. Don't feel as though you need to be Michael phelps in the pool. No one is. Everyone needs to start somewhere. Go during the slower times of the day so you don't feel as intimidated. And enjoy yourself. It's a great sport with really nice people who are always willing to help.

[merken]

I only started swimming for exercise about 3 years ago, after I took an adult swim class. I highly recommend lessons from a coach if you want to get into swimming regularly. You're not going to get as much out of it if you don't develop proper technique. You will end up tiring yourself out very quickly and risk injuring yourself. An added bonus of working with a coach (even if it's just for 2 or 3 sessions) is you won't feel so intimidated anymore.

[IceWeasel]

Thanks for all the replies guys. I'll look into it a bit more.

[speedoboi]

I have been looking for a private swimming instructor here in Toronto. It's as if swimming is a sin here - so hard to find an instructor. Personally, I'd prefer a speedo friendly gay instructor.

[swimsharkau]

Don't forget that everyone has to start somewhere, and just starting is already a step in the right direction.

I see new people start at my gym and pool all the time. Their form isn't great, and they're often not quite sure what they're doing.

But I admire the fact that they are there, that they are trying, and they want to learn and get fitter and healthier, and come back every week.

Even the guys at the gym who have muscles on muscles, and appear at first to be arrogant, always say hello to new people and are willing to offer help.

There is a lot less judgement of new people than you would think.

Best of luck to you, and with some practice you'll be a seasoned pro in no time.

[swimmy]

I think Swimsharkau is right. Swimmers are glad to see people trying and are willing to help. Proper technique is critical and a learner can't see themselves swim, really need an observer to correct problematic form. The slightest imperfection in stroke or kick or breathing can really throw off the whole swims. Getting it right simply requires paying attention and using your brain to control your body.
I find the musclemen he mentions are the worst swimmers. Triathletes especially. I have worked with a few to get them to quit kicking like they are riding a bike, it's so common and does not work at all.
So, not to sound like a broken record, get swimming lessons, beyond just learning to swim. Swim lessons are just too basic and quick but get you ready for the next level.
Then of course we have the dilemna of what to wear. Learners aren't going to be fast enough (have correct technique and feel the hydrodynamics) to benefit from any sleek attire. And if they are nervous about being ridiculed about their swimsuit it will detract from learning, right? Wear what the others wear. Long for the day that you swim quite well like that guy in lane three doing 50s on .45 who seems to wear a different speedo every day. Nobody laughs at what he's wearing.

[Bostonswimmer]

I agree with lesions. I have been swimming since 5 competitive at times but now just to stay in shape for triathlons. Took lessens for distance and endurance swimming and they have improved my stroke dramatically. I occasionally swim with a Masters group that are extremely competitive. Most unlike myself swim in college. They enjoy having a coach to watch them swim and pick up on the bad habits. Definitely would highly recommendsome type of lessons.

[karlos]

I’d second the lessons. I’m just about to start another lot again after a break, as I’m not that confident going and swimming alone and like has been said above, it’s very hard to watch yourself swim without someone else watching.

The most common thing I found with the lessons though is the amount of people, despite paying upfront drop out after the first few weeks. Normally the typical bicycle kick guy who probably could do endless laps of the pool, suddenly finds that they struggle to even do half a length kicking properly with a board and so give up wanting instant results.

As for what learns should wear. I’ve personally gone for basic jammers from the very start with the lessons as a compromise between the fashionable board shorts (witch I can't stand trying to swim in) and too revealing for a public pool speedos. I’ve had a few nasty comments on the jammers, mostly from young female learners in revealing swimsuits/bikinis, but they either shut up of quit the lessons soon after. And I have noticed the odd one or two guys start out wearing board shorts and then quickly change the jammers, I don’t know if that because of me or not, but none of the ones I’ve seen ever switch back.