Workout
First Swim Class
Inspired and encouraged by Lizh, who is a great swimmer, I signed up for adult swim classes that began last Wednesday.
I swim several miles a week, so I didn't think the 45 minute class would be physical challenge, rather more of a technique-learning experience. I was wrong. It is both technique oriented and a physical challenge. The drills we did on Wednesday left me sore for days -- especially my hip flexors!
We started class by laying on the edge of the pool on our backs with our feet hanging out over the water. And we kicked -- kind of like a pilates move -- and kicked, and kicked and kicked some more. I swear it was almost 5 minutes of kicking, and by the time we were done my abs, thighs and calves were burning.
Then we practiced kicking in the pool by doing laps with our kickboards. It is amazing how much more difficult swimming is when you don't use your arms! But we didn't ignore our arms for long. We also practiced freestyle/crawl stroke techniques that were exaggerated but would help develop muscle memory. After swimming a few more laps like that, we practiced breathing in the deep end of the pool.
I don't normally choke in the water, but this time I did -- we all did. It was so difficult! He had as hold our bodies straight and rigid with our feet pointed towards the bottom of the pool (not touching the floor) and our arms stiff at our sides. We had to keep our heads above the water without moving. Oye! We also practiced treading water with our arms and shoulders out of the water -- so hard!
Needless to say, when the class ended I was exhausted, starving and thrilled! I am so excited to take this class.
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Comments
What kind of swim class are you taking? I like to pretend that my lack of endurance swimming is because my technique sucks and not because I'm so out of shape (reality: it's both). But I've never been sure what class someone takes who's not up to a masters swim class but who's known how to swim for decades.
Submitted by seshat on 03.22.10 at 10:06.
This sounds seriously appealing! I've never been a strong swimmer, in spite of having lived near the ocean almost all my life, and I've always regretted it.
Hmm. I need to look into this.
Submitted by celeste on 03.22.10 at 10:44.
@seshat -- I am in your position -- I know how to swim, but am slow and sloppy and could use a refresher. I called around until I found a class that sounded correct. This one is through the DC parks and recreation dept. It is described as being for someone who is comfortable in the water and wants to work toward swimming 500 meters without stopping. Sometimes these classes are called stroke clinics. Places that might offer adult swim clinics includ the YM/WCA, JCC, community pools/rec centers, your state's park and rec dept, or you could check craigs list.
@celeste -- go for it! I am so glad that I am doing it and while most of the ppl in my class are tri athletes, the class one level below had adults of all ages, body types and mixed fitness levels. So you can probably pick your comfort zone.
Submitted by liz on 03.22.10 at 04:05.
Sounds like exactly what I'd need. Thanks for the tip!
Submitted by seshat on 03.25.10 at 01:16.
Years ago I joined the city gym in NYC to improve my swimming (I was thinking of taking up scuba). The adult swim classes were great, although I was going to the newly renovated Asser Levy city gym. Not sure what kind of shape the city gyms are in these days. Oliver might know.
Submitted by spindig on 03.25.10 at 03:17.
Thanks, Liz - I've done some checking around and found a couple of classes that are geared towards exactly that - correcting your stroke and getting you to a decent level of water-fitness. I'm definitely going to check it out - particularly as, like Spindig, I want to do an open water dive course at the end of the year (summer, down in my neck of the woods).
Submitted by celeste on 03.28.10 at 05:02.