Swimming

[mahon83050]

Hey, I just started swimming at the College Pool.

I have been doing the crawl stroke and it is tough. The crawl stoke is the most common exercise for those who do not know. One extends their arms over their head (right, then left) and keeps their head down flat in the water.


How good is this at getting yourself muscular?

I know one is supposed to keep their head face down in the water and turn their head up every 4-5 seconds to breath.

I am having a hard time with this part.

Any pointers?

 

[seanchai]

Don't turn your head to breathe, this will just tire you out and throw off your line. Try breathing with the roll of your body instead. Your strokes should come primarily from your hips, so your arms should be at full extension when you're on your side. It's easy to breathe from here.

 

[NYtomb]

I dont know about muscle, but I do know its a hell of a work out. I do it with my scuba fins occasionally to kick my ass. Trying to kick with those Scuba Pro Jet Fins is like swimming with a 2 x 4 tied to your foot. Try the fins if you get a chance for a different feel.

 

[zabbie]

Hey, if you know it, you should try doing a butterfly stroke. THAT's a workout!

When you turn your head to breathe for front crawl/free style, try sucking the air in like a straw really quickly so you don't waste time having your head turned. Breathe out when your face is underwater by steadily blowing bubbles with your nose when you're ready to breathe out. Repeat. It takes getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, you're pretty much set.