If I don't swim with the right form, will I still get a good workout?

Question

I haven't gone swimming in years, but am adding swimming to my workout routine. The pool I joined has a waitlist for lessons. I'm picking up a few tips by watching "how to" videos on You Tube and will perhaps buy a book. But if my form isn't perfect, will I be hurting my body? I'm not looking to go particularly fast; I just want to improve muscle tone and burn calories--something I can't currently do with my favorite activities (running, walking) because I'm battling shin splints.

Answer 1

It isn't as good for your body because it can cause injury, but you will burn just as many calories.

Answer 2

the stroke doesn't have to be prefect but you also don't want to look like a drowning fish....so as long as your ok at swimming your fine

Answer 3

if u dont have a good form its ok but u will hurt yourself a little bit. not much. but i recomend starting of slow and working up. start swimming a short distance and each time get farther and farther. i am on a swim team. when i first started i couldnt even swim the distance  of the pool, thats how bad of shape i was in.. but now i have been working on it every day. i burn soo much calories.!!!!

Answer 4

To answer your question, yes you might hurt your body a bit (drag) because you are not swimming in the right form.  I suggest you proceed slowly and observe other swimmer how to do certain strokes properly, you can get pointers.  May I also suggest doing warm-ups and cool downs as well.  Another suggestion is a good website for swimmers:  www.goswim.tv - they have video drill of the week.  Good luck.

Answer 5

yeah...but most likely not the same results as swimming with the right technique, because using the right techniques saves you energy, swim faster, and for a longer interval. If you're swimming with the right techniques, you're gonna be working the correct areas of your body.