Who here goes swimming and actually does laps?

Question

and I'm nervous because I look terrible in a swim suit but I need to go to get healthy.

Who does swimming and how has it benefitted you? Which stroke is most beneficial - I'm perfect on back stroke but struggle with breast stroke

Answer 1

I swim regularly, but I don't think I do the strokes right because I've never been taught. I'm a teenager so I limit myself to 10 or so laps, because right now I'm not really in shape (not fat, just not in shape) and don't want to possibly overwork myself. I feel like I'm getting more healthy every time, but it hasn't been long enough to tell. I don't look perfect in a swim suit either, but the only people that will even pay attention to me are maybe the little kids that aren't doing laps, and their parents (the pool has no lifeguard). Everyone else is occupied with swimming, so why should I care what I look like?

I usually use the backstroke though, because I don't like putting my face in the water and it makes me feel more relaxed. I feel like I'm doing the breast stroke badly, so usually I do 2-4 laps with the breast stroke. Remeber, practice makes perfect!

Good luck with your swimming.

:)

Answer 2

I'm on a swim team and within 2 or 3 months of joining our 'good' level, I lost 20-30 pounds and I wasn't super big to begin with. So that was definitely beneficial. I'd say that the freestyle is the most beneficial and if you're good at backstoke then do that also. You don't need to do breastroke or butterfly to get in shape and stay healthy. Just doing laps of any sort will help you get in shape. Just with free your arms will start to be more toned and your legs will shape up also. I'venever done a push up and I'm stronger then all of my friends because of laps and stuff.

Answer 3

I swim laps, and I swim on a team.  Freestyle is the typical stroke of most swimmers who are new.  Breaststroke is tough, because of both the endurance it requires to swim it quickly, and because you need to be flexible to swim it.  I suggest stretching a lot before you swim it.  Fly is probably the hardest stroke in terms of physical requirements.

Answer 4

Yes and yes - about 70 most days. Usually front crawl with a bit of breast stroke and the odd length of fly thrown in when the pool is quiet.

Answer 5

Yes I swim laps, usually totaling about 3.5 miles per day. Swimming has benefited me with a discipline and something to look forward along with becoming healthier and more fit. I swim all strokes, butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle. Using all of the strokes helps tone all parts of your body since they each work a slightly different part of the body.

Answer 6

i went swimming for a few years doing non stop laps at my club it benefits you in a few ways you feel great afterwards you become a fast and strong swimmer however i reccomend you get in a group as if you go alone you wont push yourself as much when your tired and you wont have anyone to compete with

Answer 7

I would suggest getting a good pair of goggles and alternate as many strokes as you can 4 laps at a time.

Freestyle and Backstroke will give you a bit more muscletone in your arms and legs.

Answer 8

back in the day, i used to go this gym with olympic-sized pool and i would usually do 3 laps (freestyle) leisurely. about 3x a week. it kept me feeling fit and energized. swimming is really a good good exercise.

Answer 9

I swim laps, 800 to 1000 meters 3-5 days a week since September of 2000. I look horrible in a Speedo brief, but I am working out.

My cardiovascular fitness is the best it has ever been, better than the 5 years I refereed high school basketball.

I shoveled snow for 30 minutes after one of our snow storms last winter, only sweated, no heavy breathing from the work.

I swim freestyle (crawl), my form isn't the best, but it is my best stroke.

Good luck. Lap swimming can help your health. I am 47 and feel much better than I did in my 20's or 30's.

Answer 10

I swim laps every morning before work- I literally can't start the day without it any more.

I have more energy, my mood is better, I feel more in shape, my body is more toned and I get less colds.

I cannot say enough good things about swimming- its such a great way to get in shape.

Try not to feel self conscious- this isn't the beach where everyone is trying to look cool, people are there to get in shape and will think- good for you!

Hey most of the really good swimmers had to start somewhere- perhaps they looked much worse than you when they first started out!

and you know what- they are just strangers, who cares what they think of you in a swim suit? Its what you think about yourself that counts- and if going swimming is going to help you lose a few pounds then whats stopping you?

Go for it!

Answer 11

I swim at sea wearing a skin, mask, snorkel and fins

Regularly, as far and as fast as I can

It has kept me VERY fit and very much in shape as well.

Wear goggles in the pool, or mask and snorkel so are able to put your face in the water and relax your neck muscels

Don't bother about your shape or what other people might say.

Just go and do it!

Answer 12

i cover about 7 click everyday.. if it is about losing weight... then i will suggest butterfly ( i personally thing it is the most tiring stroke out of the lot) apart from that swimming freestyle for laps helps a lot too

Answer 13

i love swimming when i was at school i was a distance swimmer. it's brilliant because it tones everywhere i was go fit when i went swimming.

everyone thinks they look terrible in a swimming costume but to be honest everyone is worrying so much about there own boduies they won't notice yours. also think about it, even if someone really horrible looking does go swimming no one ever actually remebers what they look like.

i find an alternation of strokes is best, maybe 5 breast-or at least a try at it, just focus on working out your arms-, 5 back, and five front crawl, have a break or a muck about in between them and remeber the best thing is just to have fun.

my college is actually just getting a new gym and swimming pool built next to it this year so i might try the odd swim in my free lessons.

Answer 14

well my dear,

every one has contributed very well to answer your question

i want to add one thing,  if you are a beginner at swimming then dont go over to back stroke unless you have learnt the breast stroke or free style

because backstroke is the easy way out. . most of new swimmers do a back float with a little effort  but they havent really understood the dynamics and art of swimming

so learnt front stroks like free style or breast stroke and then when you have learnt it its your choice

i hope i understand what i m trying to say i.e. back stroke should be your choice not because you dont have any choice

secondly not looking good :) let me give you an interesting fact. the more fat you are the more lighter than water you become. :)   i am rather on the havier side my self so when i started swimming with my leaner friend there was a great difference. . i was not drowning and my head was distinctivly above than my friend's. so i learned swimming quicker than him :) he he he so stop thinking too much and feel the water become your friend

Answer 15

I alternate. 50m breast stroke, 50m backstroke. 1000m in all. Takes about half an hour, which is the recommended amount of moderate excercise per day to maintain fitness. I lost weight and firmed up my muscle tone after a few weeks.