Swimming

[patchp]

Do any of you swim for exercise? I live half a block from the local YMCA and am dying to get in their pool, but I'm unsure of swimming etiquette. For instance, do I have to wear a bathing cap and goggles? As a beginner, should I go during open swim times or lap swim times? What about using a kickboard in the lap lanes? Any other suggestions? Paula

[LisaMered]

I have never been a swimmer until about 3 months ago when I fractured my foot running and swimming was the only exercise the Dr. would allow me to do. I had all of the same questions. My first advice is to not show up in a bikini like I did! I would recommend lap swim because it is a bit more structured and you have your own lane. I asked the workers if there was a "slow and fast" lane. At my pool there isn't, so I just jumped in. Many people use kick boards, especially to warm up and cool down. I have purchased a swim cap and goggles mainly becuase the cap keeps the hair out of my face and the goggles help me see! If you have any tricks for getting the swim cap on in a delicate manner I'd love to hear them. Swimming is hard work, but I am now up to 35 laps and loving it! Great exercise and so easy on your joints and bones. Good Luck!
Originally posted by patchp:
Do any of you swim for exercise? I live half a block from the local YMCA and am dying to get in their pool, but I'm unsure of swimming etiquette. For instance, do I have to wear a bathing cap and goggles? As a beginner, should I go during open swim times or lap swim times? What about using a kickboard in the lap lanes? Any other suggestions? Paula

[MCJiGS]

Our High School has a pool and they offer water aerobics. Both deep water and low water. I had never tried it before but it sounded like a new way to get fit and I love the water so I gave it a try. It is so great and a wonderful workout. I love it. Our pool offers it lots of different times and days of the week. I highly recommend it. ~mary~

[Kelly]

I was an avid swimmer for years - every morning at the local YMCA. The trick to the swim caps is to wet the cap before you put it on. Also, try one of the cloth ones instead of the vinyl ones.

Definitely ask if there are fast lanes & slow lanes. My Y had the outside lanes as the slow lanes and the inner ones as the 'fast' ones.

Go and visit the pool at the times you would be most likely to swim. Also, check if there are groups that regularly meet; sometimes they take up a couple of lanes - find out ahead of time before you find your self in a "team" lane.

I found that swimming was great for toning, but since it wasn't a weight bearing exercise my doctor recommended that I add walking to keep bone density. Alas, I followed his recommendation and have not been swimming at the pool since - boy, do I miss it!

[Eli]

I swam competitevly for years. Lap swim times are better because during open swim you usually will have to avoid kids and the diving boards. if you have short hair you may be able to get away without wearing a cap but goggles are really helpful and keep your eyes from burning like mad on the drive home.

Research has said that swimmers do tend to eat after workouts - probably because your body temperature doesn't get too high - so be careful about watching what you eat after you swim.

If you aren't a great lap swimmer try water aerobics.

[RunnerKim]

I started swimming about a year ago and had the exact same questions. There's normally a pool monitor/lifeguard that'll be happy to explain things too. Each pool does things a little differently.

One thing I'll add - find out what happens if all the lanes get filled. In both the places I've swam, you start "circling" - meaning when the 3rd person gets in you go either clockwise or counterclockwise and use both lanes. Good to know about this before all of sudden someone is in your lane!

In reference to this - even with slow, medium and fast lanes, people will be different speeds. I believe the accept protocol for passing, is to tap the foot of the swimmer ahead and they should make sure they're on the outside and you can swim past (or you should move as far to the outside as you can to let them pass). I always just kind of keep an eye on people and slow up at the end to let someone pass.

What a great resource to have a pool so close! I'm jealous.

Kim