Going swimming today for the first real time and need some ADVICE!?

Question

Ok, i'm going to join my local pool today, and i'm very very scared as i'm not exactly a good swimmer....all i can really do is breast stroke and even that i do badly! lol, but i really want to get fit so i'm going to give it a go...i was really wondering if i'm swimming all the time in the pool, how long would i have to be in there for to burn a decent amount of calories? and is it ok to go there if i'm a bad swimmer?

Answer 1

start with what you are comfortable with.  always make sure that you don't get stuck in the middle of the pool--know that you have enough energy to get to the other side!  so start with some breaststroke, then do some kicking with a board or float.  hope this helps!

Answer 2

why not join in a swimming class, have a few lessons to improve your swimming abilities, they will teach you the correct way, breathing etc, and then you can do more laps and get fit. I  swim like a proverbial brick, but don't mind doing  a few lengths of the pool.

Answer 3

yes it's fine even if u aren't that good!!  And to burn a good amount of calories you would have to make sure you were very active in the water; not just lounging w/ friends and talking.  ;]

You could take lessons if u r really interested in becoming a better swimmer.

Hope I helped!

Answer 4

well the time depends on how much effort you are putting in.  I practice for 2 hours as a competitive swimmer.  You should go to the pool after you spend some time in the water you'll figure some things out about swimming, you'll see how different things feel.

Answer 5

Dont worry everone has the frights

just try not to be nervous or scared just bretend your swimming in a big bath

Answer 6

Of  course it's okay to go if your a bad swimmer. If you go with a friend it;s EXTRA fun. umm i would say that if you actually swim 45min would be a sufficient amount of time,

Answer 7

Yes, it's ok to go if you're a bad swimmer!  In fact, your pool probably has lessons or water exercise classes for people with your skill level.  You won't be alone so have fun out there.

As far as calories, that depends on how hard you swim.  One very nice thing about working out in water is that the harder you push against the water, the more resistance you get.  There are some very complicated fluid dynamics calculations that have to do with changing viscosity and stuff like that, but the basic thing about increased effort=increased resistance is all you need to know about that.  

Having said that, if that number is important to you, you might find it on the internet.

One caution about swimming:  it is a great exercise for building aerobic endurance and upper body strength, but it is difficult to lose weight just by swimming.  For some reason (depends on who you ask) swimming stimulates the appetite and you end up consuming more calories than you burn.

Answer 8

Sure! You might meet some people that can give you some pointers... Don't worry about it!

The key to swimming is to be relaxed and comfortable in the water.