Question:
Is swimming enough as a whole-body exercise?

I have been doing slow laps for 40 min a day keeping my arms and legs moving constantly.To challenge myself, I have added time, more laps, and speed. I have never been into exercise because there's not many things I like to do but I do enjoy swimming.I don't want to push myself too hard because other times I've given up on exercise programs when I've done too much too fast. When I'm done doing my laps, I feel like I've had a good workout.Is that enough? Or am I missing toning some areas? I've thought about alternating with some weights or resistance training. What more can other exercises do for me? Any other ideas or advice?    — michelle57 (posted on September 18, 2003)

September 18, 2003
From what I understand, swimming is excellent in that it tones all areas, gives you a cardio workout, and, yet, doesn't cause the stress on your joints like jogging or aerobics does. If I get my surgery approved, post op swimming will be my exercise of choice. Congratulations on sticking with a good exercise program!
   — Carly H.

September 18, 2003
Girl, I have the answer right here! :) I was all state in Florida during high school in the butterfly! Swimming is the best workout you can get. I used to get in the water for 2 hours and I would lose 4 pounds in sweat by the time I was done! It's crazy because you don't even KNOW you are sweating! There is no stress to your body. I would switch it up by doing some of the following: 1. one day,for half your workout, get a kickboard and use only your legs. 2. one day, for half your workout, get this earplug shaped styrofoam-like thing (really technical, huh? I can't remember what they're called.) that goes between your legs to prevent you from kicking and work out only your arms. 3. one day, for half your workout, wear a shirt in the water. It'll give you drag (resistance) and make your muscles work harder to get you through the water. 4. one day, go on land and do some fast walking or jumprope for half your workout. 5. one day, for half your workout, do timed sprints. say, do a 50 yard freestyle in 45 seconds and then work your way down. (when I went to swim camp we were doing timed sprints on 29 second intervals-yuck!) The other half of the workouts do what you woulod normally do, ie: laps. You can hire someone to watch your stroke to make sure you have proper technique, which will give you the optimal workouts. You can even teach someone to teach you other strokes to workout different areas of your body! (Breast stroke is, like the name would suggest, great for the chest muscles-the butterfly is great for the back-the freestyle is awesome for arms!) All the strokes will work your abdominals, as you use them to keep your body level. Obviously you use your legs constantly, so there should be no problem there. I think you have picked a fabulous workout, I plan on getting back in the water after this surgery! Please email me for ideas on switching it up and for anything else. Good luck, you sound like you're doing great!
   — jenn_jenn

September 18, 2003
Absolutely, positively a GREAT exercise. YOu are doing super.
   — [Deactivated Member]

September 22, 2003
Swimming is great exercise. You don't want to go crazy so you lose interest. Walking is very good for you. After my surgery I started walking on the second day and haven't stopped. I started very slow but I walked every day (sometimes 2 or 3 times). When I was able to add swimming (8 week after surgery) I started with just walking in the pool. Because I was to heavy I could only do the backstroke (only 1 lap) and had to stop. I'm up to 12 laps (slow but steady) plus walking in the pool and kickbroad. Weight training is very important in your weight loss. I hired a personal trainer (3 session package). She specialized in post-op patients. I don't like someone standing over me. I asked for a light program of arms and legs. As time goes on she added more to my program. I work this program every other day, and swim and walk on the others. If I can't get the gym I make sure I walk. Walking is very good for the lower part of the body but also the stomach. Again, take your time but keep moving. Take a walk in the woods. If you can walk with a friend great! When swimming, walk sideways, hop in the pool. I love the water. I will swim after I finish my weight workout. Keep up the good work.
   — Linda R.