Need swimming help!?

Question

Hi there

I've been swimming since I was 4 (Im now 14) and I havnt swam for about a year, but I used to be really into it! Now I have a problem, im taking swimming again and I cant keep up! Ive been in it for like 2 weeks, and theres a five year old whos so freakin fast! I cant even get near how fast he goes! I can only do about 10 laps in a half hour! That stinks! And im so exhausted I always have to stop for a short break! (10-15 seconds after each lenght) and im stuck doing breaststroke. If i do front crawl I tire out to fast, loose my breath, and start slowing down, huffing, puffin and choking on the water!!!

I need some tips! Its downright embarresing! MY BROTHER IS GETTING BETTER THAN ME!!!

I used to be an awsome swimmer, and im giving it my all! My reputation is at stake! hheeelllpppppppppppp!

Answer 1

try youre hardest don't worry what people think, talk about getting moved down into a lower level until you think you are ready to go back to level 10 and do some other fitness helpers like go to the gym or something

Answer 2

10 laps in .5 hrs is awfully slow for an accomplished swimmer who's been at it for a couple of weeks.  I think I would get a physical and make sure there isn't anything else going on health-wise; e.g, asthma, diabetes, anemia, etc.

If there isn't anything going on besides lack of stamina start a regular program (daily if you can swing it.)  Try to work first on your endurance.  Start out with 10 laps and gradually increase your workout until you can swim for a half-hour or so with minimal breaks.  After you have some endurance, polish up your stroke.  Get some paddles for your hands, a pull float (for between your legs) and isolate your pull.  Get a kickboard to isolate your kick.  Try swimming under water.  Note where you end up and try to beat that mark the next time you swim.  After you can make it the length of the pool, you will feel like a pro.  Practice makes perfect (not to mention a ton of work.)

Answer 3

kicking you feet is the most important part. so make sure to do that.

Answer 4

just keep practicing. maybe go to the pool on weekends and swim as much as you can in like 2 hours or something. go ahead and take breaks if you want.

Answer 5

Swimming conditioning is a very ficle thing and the "use it or loose it" theory comes into play very fast in our sport!  The fact that you have not swum for this time is the reason for your current experiences.

All you need to do is start off small and get biger - I mean even though front crawl is tiring you out quickly perserveering with that is the best thing that you can do in order to very quickly regain stamina along with some conditioning and therefore also speed.  You should try and build up from whatever distance you are able to do at present before you are too tired to carry on and then give yourself two minutes rest and retry that distance once more.  Within a matter of a few sessions you will notice that the distance you swim before getting the same tiring feeling has increased significantly and the amount of rest you need before repeating this has decreesed.

I hope this helps but any other questions let me know.

Answer 6

Hey!

I am currently swimming at the collegiate level and trust me I know what it feels like to be the slowest one but trust me it will get loads better.  What I would try is some 50 or 100 yards swims where you don't stop at all and do them at a relaxed fast pace....this may sound crazy but it will make you work but it will force you to push your self.  This relaxed fast pace should be about 70% of your capability.  Also take your time, when you take a break from swimming it's hard to get back into it right away...the best thing to do is be sure to swim everyday...losing one day can be crucial in your path back to swimming.