Why am I so bad at swimming?

Question

I tried out for the school team and ultimately quit early on because of a combination of the practice schedule and the difficulty I faced. I joined a summer team and practice has started, it's much more relaxed than my school's team, but today, for example, we had a 300 meter cooldown, and I can only do one pool length (maybe two) at a time without taking breaks.

I'm a sophomore, will be a junior, have never done any sports before, but I run frequently in P.E. and I enjoy it. I consider myself an average runner. I'm borderline underweight, (5'7"-8", 112 lbs.), and I try to double my portions and do as little cardio exercise as possible to counterbalance this. I'm pretty muscular, but that's most likely because I'm so skinny, i.e. I'm not all that strong. I do push ups and abdominal exercises everyday, occasionally lifting light weights. I'm not particularly out of shape. So why do I have so little swimming endurance?

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

When you first start swimming its awkward.  You are using muscles in different ways and you are using some muscles that you don't normally use when you walk/run.  Think about what your doing in the water.  Watch the other swimmers (professional/seniors on your team).  Watch how they kick and the way they move their arms.  How and when they breathe (every 3rd stroke is a good rule of thumb).  Swimming is great exercise, being in the water eliminates the stress on your joints that you normally get from running and really works your lungs and heart.  It will get easier and easier just stick with it and remember that anything can be accomplished with hard work and dedication.

Answer 2

If you have not done a lot of laps before it is going to be hard.  You need to get a lot of laps in.  Sounds like the summer team is too easy to prepare you for the school year, maybe work out extra between your wimpy summer workouts or join AAU long course.   Your problem is lack of swim time.  You need to swim a LOT of laps man.

I would not worry about being skinny, I swam against one of the best swimmers in the country who was skinny as heck and maybe 5'9-10 and 13 years old (I was 14).  He kicked my rear.

BTW- Once you improve, you will need a good coach to get better and it also helps to be around better swimmers that can challenge you.

Answer 3

You do little cardio, so your general endurance is poor.  Your body is not used to the demands of heavy physical exercise.  Swimming uses muscles not used in normal activity, so they will take some time to build up.  Keep up the swimming and you will get better.  

Consult a sports nutritionist to get a proper diet for muscle gain and improved stamina.  You might not be getting enough protein, potassium and B vitimins.

Answer 4

Here is your answer:

"I try to ... do as little cardio exercise as possible"

You must have cardiovascular fitness in order to swim comfortably for long distances. You won't have that fitness without expending time and effort. Also, swimming is VERY technique-intensive. Even very fit people can wear themselves out quickly if they do not have good technique.

My advice is to give it some time. Listen to your coach regarding stroke mechanics. Keep at it. Be patient and you will see improvement.

Answer 5

Swimming is not just about what you do in the pool.... it is your outside activities too. You should try to do some dryland ie. cross country style running, working with a medacine ball, or light weight lifting.... these will build up your strength and help with stamina which seems to be the issue. In some events like freestyle and backstroke your size will work as an advantage. Summer league teams are the best to start with because you can go at your own pace for the most part.... you can't just expect to jump in the pool and be able to swim a 500.... it take time. Lastly I would work on your mechanics... make sure your technique is where it needs to be.... if your form isn't correct it will hurt you.... swimming is a science.... with proper technique you will work with the water and glide rather than fight the water (wake) that you create. Also for freestyle you might want to start with your breathing pattern. I don't know if you breathe every stroke, every other or every 5th but the longer you keep your head in the water the less tired you will get. Just a though. Hopefully this helps and good luck with your new team.