Fitness Goals Support Group

I don't like swimming. I have used the eliptical when my knees were giving me serious problems that or a stationery bike.
However, lanes in a pool are just like on a road. Stay to the right. I'd stop after completing a full lap, but only you know your own limitations. Moderation is key, not going gangbusters immediately.

Usually there is a "slow lane" where people are more leasurely about their laps. Since you are a beginner you may want to stick to that area. It's usually the lane closes to one side of the pool.

*closest

I swam competitively for 15 years and now that I swim recreationally I can shed some light on this. First, when you get to the pool look for other swimming and assess their skill level. If there is a free lane, take it. Almost everybody would prefer to have their own lane. If there isn't an open lane, go into a lane with a person that looks to be swimming at about your level/speed. Nothing is worse for me than when somebody hops in my lane and I am constantly having to go around them. If the person is swimming continually and not stopping, lightly put your hand in the pool when they are approaching the wall to make a lap (or a kickboard) and then ask them if they would like to circle swim (meaning you both stay on the same side going down and then the opposite coming back...like driving a car) OR if they would like to each take one side of the lane. I have found that competitive swimmers that are there for a pretty intense workout prefer to circle swim while beginners usually do better sticking to one side of the lane. Also, be aware of other swimmers leaving their lane. If that happens and you arrived afer the swimmer in your lane, it is common courtesy to hop over to the empty, open lane so you both have your own lanes again. I hope this helps!!! I have no problem sharing a lane at all, as long as the swimmer communicates with me beforehand. Typically, just asking, "Can I share a lane with you, with a follow up if how would you like to share?" is adequate. Have fun, swimming is a great workout for your entire body!! :)

Hi, i just noticed i had posted a similar post just after yours. I want to start swimming too, perhaps we can share experiences? i am absolutely terrified of swimming, but i want to start for the same reason as you. good luck!

I have still yet to go. I am a slacker. Hopefully this next week

I love to swim, I was always around a pool growing up. If you are afraid you'll get bored with it, try to get a leg immobilizer and flutter board. you can do laps that will focus on just your legs and then just your arms too.

lol me too, i still havent gone yet!! im actually pretty worried, cos ill go and just be splashing about making a fool of myself but still you gotta start somewhere!