Nestof3 Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 I can swim to live -- stay afloat, swim to good off, but I want to be able to swim to exercise. Now to find a bathing suit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJ. Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 If you're a dork then I am too! Last spring i took a series of private swim lessons, prior to lessons I could only float but now I can back stroke, breast stroke, and swim free style. Unfortunately I am not good at any of them yet but maybe one day :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegasus Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 You are not a dork. You are my hero! I'd love to follow your lead but I'm too cowardly. I was terrified of deep water as a child and never learned to swim very well. Pegasus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stayseeliz Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 I was actually thinking about this recently. My kids are on swim team and I've been thinking about swimming too for exercise I was thinking about having them teach me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 I know tons of adults who have hired a swim coach to help them, mostly runners who wanted to do triathlons, but weren't good enough swimmers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marbel Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 Totally not a dork. Brave and wise is more like it. I never liked swimming and am afraid of deep water. My husband and kids are not. So glad they took after their dad and not me in that regard. I did sign up once for swimming lessons, in a group, while pregnant. What a dumb time to do that. I couldn't breathe well. That was over 16 years ago... have never been back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 There's nothing dorky about learning something you want to learn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catz Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 I know lots of adults who've done this too - many aspiring triathletes. I've done a few triathlons and I've always wished I had the time. I've heard it can make a HUGE difference. Good luck! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NicksMama-Zack's Mama Too Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 I hope it's not dorky to take swim lessons. I took them a few years back so that I could do laps for exercise. Make sure you get a good swimming cap! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamaraby Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 Not the slightest bit dorky and not any different than a Couch to 5K class or a yoga class. I say good for you for taking steps to make what you want to do happen! :0) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renthead Mommy Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 I am actually a very good swimmer. However I learned to swim in our lake, so while I can swim, I don't have that "I was on a pool swim team" as a kid. I have hard time with the face down, turn, breathe as you move a certain arm. I realized that when I had four months to myself and got a spring season pass to the town pool. After water aerobics I'd try and swim laps. It just wasn't working and I'd end up jogging instead. I really, really wanted to take lessons so I could learn to swim for exercise, but we were PCSing soon adn didn't have time. I am going to join the Y this fall so my son can actually get some more lessons and actual swim time adn I was thinking of doing this again then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigMamaBird Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 I don't think you're a dork at all, I actually think it's pretty cool. You're never too old to learn something new. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 I want to do that too. We're building a pool and I hope to find someone to come here and teach me and the older kids real, proficient strokes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nestof3 Posted August 14, 2013 Author Share Posted August 14, 2013 Thanks, ladies! I loathe wearing a swim suit, and I'm so uncoordinated. I'm nervous. But, I've heard over and over that its gentle on the joints and great exercise. So, I'm going to try and do it. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 :thumbup1: Good for you pursuing swim lessons! As to gentle on the joints, swimming was the only activity my dad could tolerate after his 2 back surgeries when even sitting for any length of time was painful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twigs Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 That is fantastic! Keep us posted on how it goes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KrissiK Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 You are absolutely not a dork. Good for you. I hate swimming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 I took swimming lessons in my thirties. I could swim but only two strokes and not efficiently. The teacher ripped apart my strokes and gave me better ones, plus got my crawl/freestyle going. It was definitely worthwhile. L Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xixstar Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 Sounds great. I am wanting to do the same thing soon, learn better swimming for exercise purposes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Elf Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 I think it sounds like fun actually. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tress Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 I think it's awesome! (I really should do it too, but I'm too afraid...) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HSinNH Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 I think it's great!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 You go, girl! :thumbup1: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soror Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 I did this several years back. Sad to say I didn't learn anything though and then the teacher wasn't around, it was a weird dynamic. I've thought before about triathlons but my swimming really stinks. Good luck to you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 Good for you. I have thought about it but I have only gotten as far as water aerobics and havent' done that in quite a while now either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hikin' Mama Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 Definitely not a dork! I've thought of doing the same thing because my form is horrible. My son, who was 16 at the time and had had lessons as a kid, had a family friend go with him to the pool to give him pointers on form when he was training for a triathalon. Later when he was at the pool by himself swimming laps, a 70-year-old lady started giving him pointers on how to improve his form for faster swimming. He said it was humbling. :) I think it's awesome that you are doing this! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 How cool! What great role model for your kids! You want to learn something new... Do it! High five! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kim in Appalachia Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 I know adults who take swim lessons. My dh would love to take them. He does tri's and would like to improve his swim. As for a suit, make sure you either get a poly or an endurance fabric. Dolphin uglies have good coverage, and Speedo makes a great Endurance suit. Enjoy yourself! Swimming is great exercise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElizabethB Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 Cool! Rollerblading or roller skating are also easy on the joints and good exercise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murmer Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 After your lessons you should find out if they have a masters swim team its great for fitness swimming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom-ninja. Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 Yeah for you! Lands End has nice suits. Also Athleta has suits that are actually for athletes who swim laps ie. functional focused and not fashion focused. Good luck. I'm working up the courage to some day take swim lessons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stayseeliz Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 I saw these today http://www.swimoutlet.com/Swimming_Videos_s/1274.htm for anyone interested in learning technique! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chaya Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 I can swim to live -- stay afloat, swim to good off, but I want to be able to swim to exercise. Now to find a bathing suit. I think you're awesome!! I've been wanting to do that for years but I'm too embarassed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingersmom Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 I love swimming laps! I just got prescription googles today and can't wait to use them. Finally I will be able to see in the pool. I would not recommend a Lands End bathing suit though for lap swimming. Mine disintegrated from the chlorine. Check out www.swimoutlet.com and look for chlorine resistant bathing suits. They will last much longer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stayseeliz Posted August 16, 2013 Share Posted August 16, 2013 I went to the pool tonight with my two big kids and they worked me hard. It was so much fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stayseeliz Posted August 18, 2013 Share Posted August 18, 2013 Okay, so we went to the pool during open swim today. We get there and half of the college swim team is practicing. Talk about intimidating. But I donned my cap and goggles and walked by four lanes full of uber fit swimmers and swam my pathetic laps. They were probably wondering why "granny" was swimming today. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JennyD Posted August 18, 2013 Share Posted August 18, 2013 Good for you! My mother-in-law never learned to swim and finally took private lessons about 10 years ago, in her early 60s. She still doesn't like being in water over her head but she has a lovely stroke and now swims laps 3x a week. I swam competitively in college and still swim at least several times a week for exercise. Swimming just makes me so happy. I would actually love to take a few lessons to fix a few problems with my freestyle and maybe begin to address my horrible backstroke, but I can't quite justify the cost. Someday. Swimoutlet.com has a great selection of suits. The Speedo Endurance fabric is not the sleekest, but that stuff wears like iron. Good luck! Have fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lluv Posted August 20, 2013 Share Posted August 20, 2013 So GLAD to read this thread! I've been trying to decide if I'm finally going to learn how to swim this year or not! I'm embarrassed and scared (bad childhood experiences), but this thread has encouraged me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pretty in Pink Posted August 20, 2013 Share Posted August 20, 2013 I can swim to live -- stay afloat, swim to good off, but I want to be able to swim to exercise. Now to find a bathing suit. Maybe a little bit dorky but I say good for you! I need to do the same. I do believe I would drown if I ever had to go in after one of my children. I'm afraid to go in the pool where I can't stand up. <blushes> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alice Posted August 20, 2013 Share Posted August 20, 2013 I can swim to live -- stay afloat, swim to good off, but I want to be able to swim to exercise. Now to find a bathing suit. I think it’s great! I was just reading an article (can’t remember where so can’t link it) about how some evidence suggests that learning new skills helps prevent dementia. It was saying that everyone knows about doing crosswords but that becomes not so great if you are really good at crosswords. It’s more about challenging your mind and body to learn new things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garga Posted August 20, 2013 Share Posted August 20, 2013 My swimsuit is a pair of swimming shorts and a regular swimsuit top that ties around the neck. Next year, I'm getting a rash guard top. I burn too easily and am tired of the amount of skin I have to cover with sunblock. It takes me a full 15 minutes to slather it on myself and rub it in so it doesn't wash off. I use a shot-glass full or I burn. My arms hurt so bad from having to twist around to apply the sunblock my own back. Enough! My point is that you're not a nerd for the lessons, and if you look hard enough you can find a swimsuit that you are comfortable in. I found the swim shorts at Sears. This isn't about modesty. It's just that I don't like exposing the lumps on my upper thighs or worrying about extremely close shaves or about burned backs and shoulders. I wear the shorts and (next year) the rash guard for practical reasons. Then, when I'm swimming I'm focused entirely on the swimming and not what I'm wearing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom2Es Posted August 21, 2013 Share Posted August 21, 2013 I don't even like getting my face wet in the shower. When my face gets wet, my first instinct is to panic and take a deep breath...which I'm guessing would not be the thing to do if I were to fall in a lake. So I overcompensate for that instinct when I do try to swim by holding my breath for all I'm worth (have you ever tried to do cardio while holding your breath? Terrible idea). So, no; you are not a dork. I'm jealous, actually. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In The Great White North Posted August 21, 2013 Share Posted August 21, 2013 I saw these today http://www.swimoutle...deos_s/1274.htm for anyone interested in learning technique! They have a website too. http://www.goswim.tv/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
higginszoo Posted August 21, 2013 Share Posted August 21, 2013 If you're a dork, then our Y is full of them. Anytime I go there in the morning (anytime between 5 am and 9 am), there is usually an adult having a private lesson. Most of them, like you, are looking for some stroke refinement/instruction. There are a few where the teacher acts more like an athletic trainer and some who are just learning the basics (some of whom are uncomfortable in the water). Not dorky at all though, at any level. I'm already facing osteoperosis, and swimming is one of the few regular exercises I'm permitted -- yet I HAVE to exercise to maintain/hopefully improve what bone mass I have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.