Suggestions for pool fitness training.

[eejit]

OK, so I am unfit. I run a little but I figured the best way to prepare for the ocean in summer is in the pool. I have no idea how to train for general fitness and strength (forget apnea for the moment) in the pool.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Eejit.

 

[crusty]

Eejit
Depending on what type of fittness you are trying to obtain you can try
Standard swimming = Start out doing Freestyle only dont do any sprints just consentrate on getting proper technique and do lots of laps , you want to do at least 1.5 to 2 ks per session to start with, the best way is to pace yourself so you dont have to stop every lap.
When you are fitt you should be able to swim 1 km straight then do 400, 200 ,100 meter blocks and try to use a clock to check your time
I dont know what your local pool is like but join a swimm club if you can and get some coaching + they will push you more than you push yourself.
If you just want to get dive fitt = by a kick board chuck your fins on and just pump out the laps.

Have Fun
Crusty

 

[JPPLAY]

I can help set up a training guide for you if you want as I am a competitive swimmer. Send me a pm or add me to msn.

 

[Jee]

Hi,

beside usual swimming, you can try swimming with less breath - swim 50, 100, ... meters with breath on every 5th tempo. Actually, we use to train with a pyramid: 100m with breath on every 5th tempo, then 100m with 7 tempo, 100m with 9 tempo, then back: 7 tempo, and 5 tempo (3 tempo).
The distance and the tempo number depends on your fittness, of course. If you are fitt enough you can swim with 11 tempo breath. You can vary your rest time between the swims (or you don't keep any rest time).
Actually, the competetive swimmers also use this training method, I think.

Other good training method could be to swim 25m-s (50 m-s) on the surface (i.e. freestyle) with one breath, in series, where you set the rest time suitable for you. You can do it with fins as well.

Jee