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Swimming help!
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Swimming help!
Swimming help!
Ok, so I have recently discovered that I enjoy swimming. Not professional swimming, like on a team, just swimming laps. I've only done it a few times, but I'd like to ask any of you swimmers out there for advice.
I think my main problem is my breathing. I tried doing three strokes then taking a breath, but my chest still always feels constricted, like I can't intake enough air. Do you guys have any tips for that?
I would also just like tips and pointers in general, like ideas for good form (I only know backstroke, freestyle, and a little breaststroke and butterfly, compliments of Rosebud) and pacing. I mostly enjoy swimming becuase down here in the south, the heat is, like, UNBEARABLE if you try to excercise outside. Especially in the summer. :p
Thanks!
~Shadowmoon
(Luna just said fmga. From Georgia? Whaaaat?)
I've taught swimming. It's important to feel relaxed in the water. Stand in waist or chest deep water and practice breathing, normally and relaxed. Inhale, then put your face in the water and blow out. Repeat many times by either bobbing up and down or by turning your head as swimmers do for freestyle/crawl. Don't try to take huge breaths, because it will be hard to blow it all out and you will exhaust yourself. I breathe every stroke with a relaxed form of breathing. Don't think of racing, just keep going. The more you do, the stronger and faster you'll get.
As far as what I can say here about the form of each stroke: a good teacher I had explained the physics of swimming to my class. You aim to push the water back so you'll go forward. Bringing your arms way out of the water does no good, it just makes extra work. Just bring them out enough to clear the surface to return to the spot to begin the next push. Likewise, extra splashing with the feet does no good. Push the water back and just break the surface, if at all.
Swimming is so good for you and so much fun and relaxing! It's easy on the joints. Try swimming to music. And you can do it for the rest of your life!
Admin
submitted by Shadowmoon , age 13, Swimming Pool
(July 2, 2016 - 2:52 pm)
(July 2, 2016 - 2:52 pm)
I actually cannot swim due to a medical problem, so I have no experience with this. Being that there are no other comments besides my own, I believe the Admin offers extremely good advice. For what I can say, I recommend googling how to improve lung capacity, for it will allow you to hold your breath longer and more steadily. Again, being that I do not swim, I have no idea what a good swimming form is supposed to look like. But I wish you the best of luck and to have fun! Sorry, I could not offer much advice. But google is my go-to. And Admins, in this case.
(July 2, 2016 - 8:56 pm)
Shadowmoon, I am on a swim team and and competitive, so I hope I can help you. For your breathing, blow out of your nose and then take a breath. Breathe slowly; keep your head turned until you get enough air. Once your lungs improve, you can start breathing quicker. I think you are holding your breath too long. For some pointers and tips, here they are:
Freestyle- Breathe with a rhythm. Always kick. Your fingertips should not touch the water as you do a stroke. Reach far ahead of you. Do not bring you arm underneath you as you pull. Bring your arm behind you, far.
Backstroke- Rotate your shoulders. Instead of making a full 360 degrees turning your arms, keep your arm near the surface of the water. Always kick.
Hope this helps, and let me know if they work! Have fun swimming!
(July 3, 2016 - 10:07 am)
Thanks, Swummer! I'll try that! :)
(July 4, 2016 - 6:26 pm)
Thank you so much admin! I really appreciate that!
Thanks for the ideas Ashlee! I'll be sure to check that out! :)
You're welcome! I love swimming. It makes you feel so good and is such good exercise. I'm happy to help others enjoy it, too. Everyone should know how to swim for safety reasons, too.
Admin
(July 3, 2016 - 11:08 am)