Swimming For Exercise

[vkd]

I've been using a swimmer's snorkel for the last 2 weeks. I don't use it exclusively when doing the crawl, I'm splitting up my crawl laps 50-50 between using and not using. This seems to be a good choice. My neck is not always tender now, and when not limited by air, I can go faster, ie get a better workout for those laps. I'm still using recovery laps like breast and side stroke.

I haven't read all the thread so most likely I am repeating things here so I apologise for that. If you are getting a tender neck and lack of air when breathing, especially with crawl, I would suggest the following procedure which I learned as a kid and has never failed me in these ways you mention. When the arm is at the back of the stroke and will be brought out of the water and over to the front again, the body rocks with the opposite side entering deeper into the water, the raised arm side more out of the water and facilitating the turning of the neck to bring the mouth out of the water and air is sucked in. By the time that arm reaches the front position the lungs should be fully loaded. For the other arm no breathing takes place and the air in the lungs is released during that phase, so that when the chosen arm is again at the back of the stroke the intake of breath procedure repeats again with the stroke. Is that clear enough to understand? You can do breathing on both sides on every stroke but that is generally too much. An alternative is to intake air on one stroke, hold for the opposite side, release the air during the 3rd stroke with head kept directly in line with the spine so no twisting and then take the next breath from the other side. For instance that could be Left side breath, RS hold, LS release, RS breath, LS hold, RS release, LS breath, etc. This procedure with slight oscillation of the whole body along with the head during air intake reduces the need for neck twisting and is sufficient time for filling the lungs with air. Hope that helps, though I imagine you already know these things. Thanks for the opportunity to remember, I love swimming too!

 

[Huntn]

I haven't read all the thread so most likely I am repeating things here so I apologise for that. If you are getting a tender neck and lack of air when breathing, especially with crawl, I would suggest the following procedure which I learned as a kid and has never failed me in these ways you mention. When the arm is at the back of the stroke and will be brought out of the water and over to the front again, the body rocks with the opposite side entering deeper into the water, the raised arm side more out of the water and facilitating the turning of the neck to bring the mouth out of the water and air is sucked in. By the time that arm reaches the front position the lungs should be fully loaded. For the other arm no breathing takes place and the air in the lungs is released during that phase, so that when the chosen arm is again at the back of the stroke the intake of breath procedure repeats again with the stroke. Is that clear enough to understand? You can do breathing on both sides on every stroke but that is generally too much. An alternative is to intake air on one stroke, hold for the opposite side, release the air during the 3rd stroke with head kept directly in line with the spine so no twisting and then take the next breath from the other side. For instance that could be Left side breath, RS hold, LS release, RS breath, LS hold, RS release, LS breath, etc. This procedure with slight oscillation of the whole body along with the head during air intake reduces the need for neck twisting and is sufficient time for filling the lungs with air. Hope that helps, though I imagine you already know these things. Thanks for the opportunity to remember, I love swimming too!

I believe I have a good handle on breathing, I roll with my strokes to reduce neck strain. However, my neck was tender at times pre-snorkel and now less so. I use the snorkel for 50% of my freestyle strokes and it has made a difference.

 

[Huntn]

For you guys (@A.Goldberg) doing serious laps, what kind of trunks do you wear?

I just ordered my 3rd set of TYR Durafast Elite Solid Square Leg trunks. Amazon had the best online prices, they used to be in the mid $20s, but they have creeped up to about $36 each. I usually order 2 and alternate using them. The manufacture claims these are long lasting (300 hr) but I've noticed they don't really wear out, but they do start to get kind of baggy around the legs after about 130 hrs, so two of them are lasting me about a year. Does that sound about right? I'm open to spending less money, but I know if I go really cheap, I'll get cheap.
Thanks!

​

 

[mgguy]

I use Speedo Endurance Plus brief. Lasts forever and doesn’t bleach out from pool chemicals.

 

[Huntn]

Ok, I’ve been plagued by a sore elbow for several weeks now, the arm strap has been a life safer, placing it just above my left elbow allows me to swim without pain. Yes @A.Goldberg, I wonder if swim paddles had anything to do with this, but I have laid off using them since the issue arose.

Here is the thing, since swimming for several years now, at my high point I was swimming 60 laps (3000 yds) and at first it was great, but then I started running into shoulder, arm, elbow issues, so I cut back to 50 laps (2500 yds) and periodically am still running into these issues which makes me wonder, for my body, and repetitive motion injury, am I swimming too many laps? Yesterday I went into the pool and pushed hard for 40 laps (2000 yards) and came out of the pool feeling hot (the good workout hot). I’m hoping that despite less calorie burn, maybe reduced distance will solve the injury issue?

As I pick up a cup of herbal tea this morning with my left hand I can feel pain in my left elbow and a slightly weaker grip, plus I’m left handed, spend a lot of typing with the index finger of my left hand (currently typing with my right index finger to give the left a break), and use my computer frequently. I suspect these additional tasks with my left hand may have added to the issue, and I’m surprised that noticible strain is felt when I’m index finger typing with my left hand.

I should probably take a week off from swimming, allow my elbow to recover, and then start up again gingerly. Bu I am more interested in opinions about repetitive motion injury. If I stay cut back to 40 laps, I’ll try to be more dedicated to my light weight lifting, while wondering if that adds to the repetitive motion injury issue? I know that when I first started the light weights, it seemed to help with avoiding the swim related injuries.
Thoughts? Thanks!

I use Speedo Endurance Plus brief. Lasts forever and doesn’t bleach out from pool chemicals.

Hey that looks like me (I fantasize) i’ll consider this for my next purchase of trunks.

 

[A.Goldberg]

For you guys (@A.Goldberg) doing serious laps, what kind of trunks do you wear?

I just ordered my 3rd set of TYR Durafast Elite Solid Square Leg trunks. Amazon had the best online prices, they used to be in the mid $20s, but they have creeped up to about $36 each. I usually order 2 and alternate using them. The manufacture claims these are long lasting (300 hr) but I've noticed they don't really wear out, but they do start to get kind of baggy around the legs after about 130 hrs, so two of them are lasting me about a year. Does that sound about right? I'm open to spending less money, but I know if I go really cheap, I'll get cheap.
Thanks!

View attachment 761483​

I am with @mgguy on the endurance+ material by speedo (aka polyslester and nylon). With those usually the drawstring breaks before the suit wears out. They last a million times longer than anything with Lycra/spandex, though slightly less comfortable but not by much. Briefs offer the best range of motion IMO. If you’re older and more modest trunks seem to be trendy these days. Jammers make you look like an insecure novice (also very hard to put back on if they’re wet). But I guess at the end of the day whatever your comfortable with works. I generally prefer Speedo over TYR, Speedo usually seems like better quaility and longevity in my experience, though I use both.

If your pool has those centrifuge-like suit dryers- I would avoid them. Not only are they probably a cess pool, they wear out suits faster. A good rinse with fresh water to get the chlorine out after every swim is a good idea too- chlorine is brutal.

 

[0388631]

Looks like I won't be able to use our pool for the time being.

 

[Huntn]

I am with @mgguy on the endurance+ material by speedo (aka polyslester and nylon). With those usually the drawstring breaks before the suit wears out. They last a million times longer than anything with Lycra/spandex, though slightly less comfortable but not by much. Briefs offer the best range of motion IMO. If you’re older and more modest trunks seem to be trendy these days. Jammers make you look like an insecure novice (also very hard to put back on if they’re wet). But I guess at the end of the day whatever your comfortable with works. I generally prefer Speedo over TYR, Speedo usually seems like better quaility and longevity in my experience, though I use both.

If your pool has those centrifuge-like suit dryers- I would avoid them. Not only are they probably a cess pool, they wear out suits faster. A good rinse with fresh water to get the chlorine out after every swim is a good idea too- chlorine is brutal.

I use the spin dryer, and have wondered about this.

 

[A.Goldberg]

Ok, I’ve been plagued by a sore elbow for several weeks now, the arm strap has been a life safer, placing it just above my left elbow allows me to swim without pain. Yes @A.Goldberg, I wonder if swim paddles had anything to do with this, but I have laid off using them since the issue arose

Yes paddles very well could be causing extra strain (or be a contributing factor). I’d probably put those on the back burner for now. Repetitive motion and/or improper technique can be factors too. Taking a short break to allow for recovery isn’t a bad idea, or maybe cut it way back to some very light swimming. When you step things back up again, you probably shouldn’t try to work through the pain.

You may also want to record (on video) your stroke to make sure it’s correct, or better yet see if you can hire a coach for a session or two to look at this. Or join a Masters team or some other type of fitness swimming club!

Lastly, it might be worth getting it checked out to ensure you’re not exacerbating a real problem.

Looks like I won't be able to use our pool for the time being.

Why is that?

Growing up my parents had a 40’ pool, which is at the bigger end in terms of residential in-ground pools. I found it pretty useless for swimming laps. Short of a 25 yard pool, preferably with backstroke flags (or indoors to judge your location on the ceiling), lap pools are the way to go. If you do have a 25 yard pool, that’s awesome.

I did have the benefit of my parent’s neighbor’s 25yd pool. She was older and widowed and didn’t use it so she let me use it whenever.

 

[0388631]

Why is that?

Growing up my parents had a 40’ pool, which is at the bigger end in terms of residential in-ground pools. I found it pretty useless for swimming laps. Short of a 25 yard pool, preferably with backstroke flags (or indoors to judge your location on the ceiling), lap pools are the way to go. If you do have a 25 yard pool, that’s awesome.

I did have the benefit of my parent’s neighbor’s 25yd pool. She was older and widowed and didn’t use it so she let me use it whenever.

Cold and drizzly. It's rained every morning for a few weeks. Weather is bound to warm up in a few days but I'm not sure if it's permanent or we'll have a repeat of 2010's summer, which was mild at best. I bought floating markers to use when I do laps. Though I don't mind going the entire length of the pool. It's more exercise as far as I'm concerned. The wet morning weather hasn't done much for the trails around us either. I don't dare go running just to slip on some top soil mud. Once vegetation grows, it'll be wonderful since it dampens the harshness you'd expect from rock hard soil.

 

[Huntn]

Yes paddles very well could be causing extra strain (or be a contributing factor). I’d probably put those on the back burner for now. Repetitive motion and/or improper technique can be factors too. Taking a short break to allow for recovery isn’t a bad idea, or maybe cut it way back to some very light swimming. When you step things back up again, you probably shouldn’t try to work through the pain.

You may also want to record (on video) your stroke to make sure it’s correct, or better yet see if you can hire a coach for a session or two to look at this. Or join a Masters team or some other type of fitness swimming club!

Lastly, it might be worth getting it checked out to ensure you’re not exacerbating a real problem.


Why is that?

Growing up my parents had a 40’ pool, which is at the bigger end in terms of residential in-ground pools. I found it pretty useless for swimming laps. Short of a 25 yard pool, preferably with backstroke flags (or indoors to judge your location on the ceiling), lap pools are the way to go. If you do have a 25 yard pool, that’s awesome.

I did have the benefit of my parent’s neighbor’s 25yd pool. She was older and widowed and didn’t use it so she let me use it whenever.

Actually at the Lifetime Fitness Club, I got chummy with the Master Swim Class instructor and he said my stroke was good. Now that I qualify for Silver Sneakers, a feature in some Medicare Supplemental plans, that cover the cost of a YMCA membership, I’m headed back to the Y on Monday. Thanks for the advice!
[doublepost=1527946661][/doublepost]

Yes paddles very well could be causing extra strain (or be a contributing factor). I’d probably put those on the back burner for now. Repetitive motion and/or improper technique can be factors too. Taking a short break to allow for recovery isn’t a bad idea, or maybe cut it way back to some very light swimming. When you step things back up again, you probably shouldn’t try to work through the pain.

You may also want to record (on video) your stroke to make sure it’s correct, or better yet see if you can hire a coach for a session or two to look at this. Or join a Masters team or some other type of fitness swimming club!

Lastly, it might be worth getting it checked out to ensure you’re not exacerbating a real problem.


Why is that?

Growing up my parents had a 40’ pool, which is at the bigger end in terms of residential in-ground pools. I found it pretty useless for swimming laps. Short of a 25 yard pool, preferably with backstroke flags (or indoors to judge your location on the ceiling), lap pools are the way to go. If you do have a 25 yard pool, that’s awesome.

I did have the benefit of my parent’s neighbor’s 25yd pool. She was older and widowed and didn’t use it so she let me use it whenever.

25 yards is a huge pool for a residence.

 

[Gutwrench]

I was a rescue swimmer so ocean swam mostly. I don’t think you can call what I do today as swimming. It’s more of an aggressive float.

 

[0388631]

Can't keep your eye off the game (smoker).

 

[A.Goldberg]

Actually at the Lifetime Fitness Club, I got chummy with the Master Swim Class instructor and he said my stroke was good. Now that I qualify for Silver Sneakers, a feature in some Medicare Supplemental plans, that cover the cost of a YMCA membership, I’m headed back to the Y on Monday. Thanks for the advice!
[doublepost=1527946661][/doublepost]
25 yards is a huge pool for a residence.

That’s cool you found someone to inspect your stroke. I think insurers offering gym reimbursement is great. I’m going to pressure you to join a masters team now . If I’m not mistaken you can just go to swim, competition is optional.

Yes 25 yards is quite large. At this point it’s the only size pool I’d bother with personally for backyard swimming (though not really feasible in Boston). I suppose kids are a different story, but that’s a long way off.

 

[Tech198]

I don't know how to swim.

After i almost drowned at Safety Bay WA, few years ago, that was my last joy of swimming. Havan't been back in the water since.

 

[Huntn]

I don't know how to swim.

After i almost drowned at Safety Bay WA, few years ago, that was my last joy of swimming. Havan't been back in the water since.

FYI, the pools I’m lap swimming in run 4-6’ deep. So it can be learned in a safe environment if desired. Tech, I assume you knew how to swim, but so to speak, got in over your head?

 

[tobefirst ⚽️]

I suffered through my first fitness swim *ever* yesterday. I run all year, and cycle in the spring and summer, but, man, this kicked my butt in less than 20 minutes. I'm an extremely inefficient swimmer to begin with, but it is something I'm looking to improve upon. After a handful (or more) under my belt just to get my lungs used to it, I may look to a coach for a few sessions to see about improving.

 

[A.Goldberg]

I suffered through my first fitness swim *ever* yesterday. I run all year, and cycle in the spring and summer, but, man, this kicked my butt in less than 20 minutes. I'm an extremely inefficient swimmer to begin with, but it is something I'm looking to improve upon. After a handful (or more) under my belt just to get my lungs used to it, I may look to a coach for a few sessions to see about improving.

Congrats. That’s great accomplishment. How far did you swim.

Swimming is all about efficiency and pretty much all people are not naturally efficient swimmers. It takes a lot of time and practice but if you put in the work you’ll see improvements. Stick with it and work through the tough parts. I’m sure you’ll shortly discover, if you haven’t already, some muscles you’ve never really used before. It definitely takes time to get used to the breathing situations.

It’s funny I’m 5’10”, probably about 160lbs and while in good shape (I swam 3200 yards today) I’m definitely not a body builder. Occasionally a d-bag body builder will come into the natatorium, stare everyone down, and then try and keep up and make it about 200 yards before completely wearing themselves out.

 

[tobefirst ⚽️]

Congrats. That’s great accomplishment. How far did you swim.

Swimming is all about efficiency and pretty much all people are not naturally efficient swimmers. It takes a lot of time and practice but if you put in the work you’ll see improvements. Stick with it and work through the tough parts. I’m sure you’ll shortly discover, if you haven’t already, some muscles you’ve never really used before. It definitely takes time to get used to the breathing situations.

It’s funny I’m 5’10”, probably about 160lbs and while in good shape (I swam 3200 yards today) I’m definitely not a body builder. Occasionally a d-bag body builder will come into the natatorium, stare everyone down, and then try and keep up and make it about 200 yards before completely wearing themselves out.

I swam 650m in about 23 minutes, but that was with pausing the workout several times for rest breaks. Today I did the same distance in the same amount of time, only pausing the workout once. I felt...accomplished.

I’d like to make this a regular part of my fitness. I ran on Saturday and Sunday, but that didn’t seem to affec me much at all, being different muscle groups and everything.

I do need to start looking for a pair of jammers. Any inexpensive recommendations?

 

[A.Goldberg]

I swam 650m in about 23 minutes, but that was with pausing the workout several times for rest breaks. Today I did the same distance in the same amount of time, only pausing the workout once. I felt...accomplished.

I’d like to make this a regular part of my fitness. I ran on Saturday and Sunday, but that didn’t seem to affec me much at all, being different muscle groups and everything.

I do need to start looking for a pair of jammers. Any inexpensive recommendations?

Good for you! 650 is a solid distance if this is your first time in the water. Do you have a swim plan or are you taking a class or are you just playing it by ear? Are you looking to swim in a triathalon or just for general fitness? If you’re looking to swim longer distances, you’ll probably want to work on improving your technique. Technique tends to fall apart as you tire. With that in mind it’s usually better to swim shorter distances with more breaks than 2-3 big sets. Theres many movies and YouTube videos out there to help with your technique. Many pools have adult classes, US Masters teams (adult swim teams for swimmers of all levels) and Triathalon swim programs if you’re looking for a class where you can get some feedback.

My recommendation for training/practice (non-completion) suits would be Speedo Endurance+ suits (50% polyester/50% PBT). TYR Durafast are also good (100% polyester). Suits with lyrca/spandex (ie Speedo Xtra Life) wear out super quickly due to the chlorine. Poly suits seem to last forever except for the fact the drawstring eventually degrades and breaks. Lycra suits tend to be slightly more comfortable and offer extra compression, but I wouldn’t call poly suits uncomfortable.

I like Arena jammers a lot, (particularly their tech suits for high level competition- but they also make non-tech suits which I haven't tried)- they tend to be hard to find if you're shopping in brick and mortar stores and usually cost a more than Speedo, which tends to cost a little more than TYR. I would not recommend Nike suits- I was on a team once that bought these and they were awful. I've been meaning to try a Finis suit, they make excellent training products so I've been curious about their suits.

Personally I prefer briefs aka “speedos” to jammers for practice/training, as do most other experienced swimmers. You get much better range of motion in your legs/hips and it ends up being more comfortable in the long run, especially if you’re swimming thousands of yards per day (and jammers are often associated with newbies haha). Jammers are not ideal for breaststroke. I can understand those with confidence issues with briefs- many new swimmers are self conscious about even wearing jammers as it is. The reality is swimmers don't care because everyones wearing the same thing. I do however keep a pair of Lycra jammers in my bag as a backup or just in case my quadriceps are sore when I go to swim- the extra bit of compression can help. Or just to change things up once and a while. When I was competing I would use tech-suit jammers (or leg skins and full bib suits back when they were legal- that all ended ~2009- thanks Michael Phelps ).

I know some people are using square-leg suits (@Huntn). They’re like a shorter length Jammer. They seem to be popular with men over 40 from what I see. I’ve never used them personally and have never seen them in competition, So I can’t really comment on them. I suppose they may offer less resistance in the legs than jammers while being more modest than briefs.

I usually buy my suits on Amazon or SwimOutlet. I have have around dozen suits- most are Speedo brand. I prefer TYR swim caps. Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 are my preferred goggles (always carry an extra pair of goggles).

 

[0388631]

In comparison to Hunt's shoulder tendon injury, can swimming strengthen already okay tendons that have never been inured?

 

[Huntn]

I swam 650m in about 23 minutes, but that was with pausing the workout several times for rest breaks. Today I did the same distance in the same amount of time, only pausing the workout once. I felt...accomplished.

I’d like to make this a regular part of my fitness. I ran on Saturday and Sunday, but that didn’t seem to affec me much at all, being different muscle groups and everything.

I do need to start looking for a pair of jammers. Any inexpensive recommendations?

TYR Durafast sauare leg (about $35), see post 78.

Hang in there with your swimming. How old are you?
I am 65. I used to run for like 40 years, then I walked, and now I swim.

I swam in my youth, and in the Navy, but running was my primary exercise. What stopped me from running was my back. I started out swimming about 3 years ago, where I swam 10 laps, and that was enough to finish me.

I slowly increased up to 60 laps (3000 yards ), absolutely no issue with my mucles handling this, but I started running into tendon, sore shoulder, sore elbow issues. It feels different than sore muscles. I attributed it as repetitive motion injury . I also noticed a tender neck. Of note, I was doing 6 sets of ten, without stopping, (4 strokes, crawl, side, back, and breast), however, I was not tearing up and down the lanes. I read that backstroke can be hard on your rotator cuff, so I stopped those.

I’m suspect you’ve found breathing to be a limiter. For myself, I swim at a speed where my breath can keep up without stooping. However, tearing up and down the lanes and talking a couple of minutes break is ok too. For myself, hitting it hard, tends to put more pressure on my joints, my impression, leads to issues. Right now, 48 laps takes me about 1hr, 15 min, not that fast.

The cure? I cut back on the distance and started lifting light weights. I ended cutting back to 32 laps (1600 yards) but am back up to 48 laps (2400 yards). When I was suffering the shoulder issues, I found arm straps placed in the upper arm, or just above, below the elbow seemed to help that feeling which is hard to describe, not a sharp pain, but something akin to a burn or an acute discomfort. For my neck, I also purchased an inexpensive swimner’s snorkel and split my crawl strokes 50% between using and not using it.

And as far as technique, I recommend Total Immersion Swimming. I found a $20 download called Perpetual Motion.

http://www.totalimmersion.net/

http://www.totalimmersion.net/store...rsion-self-coached-workshop.html#.XEcD2xpMGhA

One other observation, at my age, while swimming is very healthy, that calorie intake or lack of intake has a larger effect on my weight than exercise, although exercise keeps me toned along with other benefits. From a high of 223 lbs, I’m still about 215lbs (5’10”) and my target weight is something below 200lbs.

 

[A.Goldberg]

In comparison to Hunt's shoulder tendon injury, can swimming strengthen already okay tendons that have never been inured?

I’m not a physical therapist, but I imagine swimming would help to some extent. That said, there’s probably more effective ways of doing it. Typical tendon strengthening exercises seem to involve sustained stretching of the tendon with weight involved.

Swimming can be very hard on the shoulders, especially if poor technique is involved. I suppose it’s relative to a number of factors including the amount of time swimming, distance, speed, age, etc. A lot of people run into shoulder issues though due to poor technique and overuse of swimming aids (ie paddles), but also just overuse.

My right shoulder occasionally acts up, I imagine it has to do with +/- 25 years of wear and tear from swimming in general. I started competitive swimming at age 5 and in high school had periods of swimming 10,000+ yards a day. Crazy to think the mileage I’ve put on my body.

 

[Huntn]

In comparison to Hunt's shoulder tendon injury, can swimming strengthen already okay tendons that have never been inured?

My impression is (anyone correct me) is that tendons are not strengthened, but are stretched (stretching routine) to prevent injury. From my experience, resistance training (light weights) helps with swimming, including a 15- 20 minute stretching routine.

 

[tobefirst ⚽️]

Good for you! 650 is a solid distance if this is your first time in the water. Do you have a swim plan or are you taking a class or are you just playing it by ear? Are you looking to swim in a triathalon or just for general fitness? If you’re looking to swim longer distances, you’ll probably want to work on improving your technique. Technique tends to fall apart as you tire. With that in mind it’s usually better to swim shorter distances with more breaks than 2-3 big sets. Theres many movies and YouTube videos out there to help with your technique. Many pools have adult classes, US Masters teams (adult swim teams for swimmers of all levels) and Triathalon swim programs if you’re looking for a class where you can get some feedback.

My recommendation for training/practice (non-completion) suits would be Speedo Endurance+ suits (50% polyester/50% PBT). TYR Durafast are also good (100% polyester). Suits with lyrca/spandex (ie Speedo Xtra Life) wear out super quickly due to the chlorine. Poly suits seem to last forever except for the fact the drawstring eventually degrades and breaks. Lycra suits tend to be slightly more comfortable and offer extra compression, but I wouldn’t call poly suits uncomfortable.

I like Arena jammers a lot, (particularly their tech suits for high level competition- but they also make non-tech suits which I haven't tried)- they tend to be hard to find if you're shopping in brick and mortar stores and usually cost a more than Speedo, which tends to cost a little more than TYR. I would not recommend Nike suits- I was on a team once that bought these and they were awful. I've been meaning to try a Finis suit, they make excellent training products so I've been curious about their suits.

Personally I prefer briefs aka “speedos” to jammers for practice/training, as do most other experienced swimmers. You get much better range of motion in your legs/hips and it ends up being more comfortable in the long run, especially if you’re swimming thousands of yards per day (and jammers are often associated with newbies haha). Jammers are not ideal for breaststroke. I can understand those with confidence issues with briefs- many new swimmers are self conscious about even wearing jammers as it is. The reality is swimmers don't care because everyones wearing the same thing. I do however keep a pair of Lycra jammers in my bag as a backup or just in case my quadriceps are sore when I go to swim- the extra bit of compression can help. Or just to change things up once and a while. When I was competing I would use tech-suit jammers (or leg skins and full bib suits back when they were legal- that all ended ~2009- thanks Michael Phelps ).

I know some people are using square-leg suits (@Huntn). They’re like a shorter length Jammer. They seem to be popular with men over 40 from what I see. I’ve never used them personally and have never seen them in competition, So I can’t really comment on them. I suppose they may offer less resistance in the legs than jammers while being more modest than briefs.

I usually buy my suits on Amazon or SwimOutlet. I have have around dozen suits- most are Speedo brand. I prefer TYR swim caps. Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 are my preferred goggles (always carry an extra pair of goggles).

Thanks for the encouragement! My wife and I joined our local rec center just before the new year and the biggest draw for me was the pool. She swam in high school but has since fallen out of shape, so I'm hoping that time together in the pool can make us both better. I likely wouldn't be there without her. As such, I don't really have a plan, which is pretty much the same for my running and cycling most of the time. I've just gotten better at both of those by doing them regularly, slowly increasing distance until I become "fast." No sprints or specific hill climbs...just run. Just bike. And (for now) just swim. Maybe after getting used to the water, I can put all the pieces together and do some sprint tris. Right now, the rec center has an indoor tri series every few weeks. It appears to be self reported and points are just based on how many you complete.

Thanks, as well, for the recommendations on equipment. I bought a pair of goggles already. The Wirecutter (where I go for suggestions on everything I don't really care or know how to research) suggested the Aqua Sphere Kayennes. They've worked well so far. If I keep at this, another pair of goggles is a good idea. As for the clothing, I'm not super self conscious – I run and bike in tights already – but I'll end up with a pair of jammers mostly because my wife wouldn't be seen with me in briefs. Ha! I have a deal with her where I need to run a 5k in 19:15 (or a little less than 2 minutes faster than my PR) and she'll buy me a pair of real, legit, super short running shorts. I think I'd need to beat Michael Phelps to get a pair of swim briefs!

But, so far, so good. I'll be sure to check in on this thread from time to time to note my progress.
[doublepost=1548167180][/doublepost]

TYR Durafast sauare leg (about $35), see post 78.

Hang in there with your swimming. How old are you?
I am 65. I used to run for like 40 years, then I walked, and now I swim.

I swam in my youth, and in the Navy, but running was my primary exercise. What stopped me from running was my back. I started out swimming about 3 years ago, where I swam 10 laps, and that was enough to finish me.

I slowly increased up to 60 laps (3000 yards ), absolutely no issue with my mucles handling this, but I started running into tendon, sore shoulder, sore elbow issues. It feels different than sore muscles. I attributed it as repetitive motion injury . I also noticed a tender neck. Of note, I was doing 6 sets of ten, without stopping, (4 strokes, crawl, side, back, and breast), however, I was not tearing up and down the lanes. I read that backstroke can be hard on your rotator cuff, so I stopped those.

I’m suspect you’ve found breathing to be a limiter. For myself, I swim at a speed where my breath can keep up without stooping. However, tearing up and down the lanes and talking a couple of minutes break is ok too. For myself, hitting it hard, tends to put more pressure on my joints, my impression, leads to issues. Right now, 48 laps takes me about 1hr, 15 min, not that fast.

The cure? I cut back on the distance and started lifting light weights. I ended cutting back to 32 laps (1600 yards) but am back up to 48 laps (2400 yards). When I was suffering the shoulder issues, I found arm straps placed in the upper arm, or just above, below the elbow seemed to help that feeling which is hard to describe, not a sharp pain, but something akin to a burn or an acute discomfort. For my neck, I also purchased an inexpensive swimner’s snorkel and split my crawl strokes 50% between using and not using it.

And as far as technique, I recommend Total Immersion Swimming. I found a $20 download called Perpetual Motion.

http://www.totalimmersion.net/

http://www.totalimmersion.net/store...rsion-self-coached-workshop.html#.XEcD2xpMGhA

One other observation, at my age, while swimming is very healthy, that calorie intake or lack of intake has a larger effect on my weight than exercise, although exercise keeps me toned along with other benefits. From a high of 223 lbs, I’m still about 215lbs (5’10”) and my target weight is something below 200lbs.

I'll be 39 later this year. I'd run off and on for a number of years, but it "stuck" about 8 years ago or so? I added cycling about 5 years ago.

You're absolutely right – breathing is the toughest part. I had private swim lessons when I was a kid, where I learned how to take breaths and everything, but I've long forgotten that, so I'm trying to relearn. With running, I can get into a zone where, breathing-wise, I feel like I can run forever. I haven't come close to finding that in the pool yet, but it is way early. I imagine I'll eventually get there.

I know that I need to hit the weight room, too, just for maintenance as I get older. I've never lifted weights, but know that it will become (or already is) an important of my health as the years rack up.