beginner swimmer

I don't feel comfortable offering advice, because I am by no means a swim expert. I basically take bits of pieces of what I've read and create a routine that works for me. That said, there has been TONS of excellent swim advice offered on this site. If I were you, I'd just do a search of old forums. I know you said you can swim a few lenghts of the pool, but you also need to assess your stroke and see if you're swimming efficiently and effectively. I'd research swim form before you start to increase your workouts. Since you're new, you want to take care of any stroke problems you may have before you start increasing your distances and develop bad habits.

Good luck and welcome to BT. I am sure you will find the site very helpful.

I compiled a few workouts for distances between 400-1200m. There might be something there that will work for you.

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=...

Shane

When I began about 1.5 months ago I simply swam one length breast stroke and the next freestyle.  This allowed me to catch my breath but keep my body working, and lengthened my workouts.  I just hate the concept of having to stop to rest.  I alternated until I built up enough endurance to reduce the breast stroke lengths and now its all freestyle.  I'm no expert, I'm just telling you what is working for me. 

For fitness I have also been given the advice (from my mum who used to swim competitively in her university days) to swim slightly shorter intervals (say 100m or 250m - whatever you are able to comfortably finish at a quick pace with an elevted HR - I aim for an RPE of about an 8/10) but a bit faster with a rest in between. The concept is the same to maybe intervals for running where you work your heart rate up but allow it to come down enough before you start again. Instead of resting you can do breast stroke at a comfortable pace if you prefer.

I personally like this workout as it breaks up the long slow swims for a change once a week.

I have Gale Bernhardt's and it worked for me quite well even when I was a newbie swimmer three years ago. The book is printed on waterproof stock so you can take it poolside.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1931382204/104-8491190-0655134?v=g...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1931382743/104-8491190-0655134?v=g...

Edited by adventuress 2005-11-20 6:56 PM