Lap Swimmers or Water Aerobics enthusiasts???

[NewMe12]

[COLOR="Indigo"] Hi Water enthusiasts,

Anyone swimming laps, doing water aerobics classes or any other water related activities for exercise? Are you interested in discussing our unique exercise experiences and sharing tips? Everyone welcome!

I love the water. I have been swimming since I was a child. It is great exercise. I swim laps several times a week and attend water aerobics classes.

Bad knees... no running for me.


Nancy (NewMe12)[/COLOR]

[bookwormmom]

I love to swim as well. I try for 3 times a week, I go to the gym and workout in the water. It has a resistance circuit, so you can walk around against a current, and I also get in the deeper water and 'ski' and 'run' and 'bicycle' with the water weights. You burn as many calories treading water as swimming the breaststroke, so I don't worry that I am shorting myself by not swimming laps. I have done classes but the timings are bad for my schedule, so I just basically make up my own hour water workout class! Just got back from my pool workout too!

[NewMe12]

Originally Posted by bookwormmom

I love to swim as well. I try for 3 times a week, I go to the gym and workout in the water. It has a resistance circuit, so you can walk around against a current, and I also get in the deeper water and 'ski' and 'run' and 'bicycle' with the water weights. You burn as many calories treading water as swimming the breaststroke, so I don't worry that I am shorting myself by not swimming laps. I have done classes but the timings are bad for my schedule, so I just basically make up my own hour water workout class! Just got back from my pool workout too!

[COLOR="Indigo"]COOL! I am so glad I found another water exerciser. On weekends, I do my own rountine too. I have an upper and lower body water resistance workout I try to do in addition to swimming laps. That resistance circuit sounds really cool. I just have a plain old pool, but it has lots of water exercise equipment.

I am lucky in that recently my work schedule changed and so has the water aerobics class schedule. On Monday and Wednesday, I work from home and there is a water aerobics class at 8 a.m., which out great for me. I go swim laps 7:30 - 8:00 a.m., attend Water Aerobics 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. and then rush home to log on the computer and start work by 9:30 a.m.

I also try to attend a water aerobics class on Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m., but don't always make it if I work late at the office. The Thursday night instructor really works us hard. I have seen much improvement, since attending her class.

I am so happy I found you! In the other groups that I post to, no one is a swimmer.



Nancy (NewMe12)
P.S. I'm a book worm too!

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[bookwormmom]

I don't let anyone ever 'dis' water aerobics. The first WA class I ever took was with a bunch of older ladies. I got in and did the warm up, we got busy, but I hadn't been swimming so my head was still dry. I broke out in a total sweat across my forehead less than halfway through! It is real exercise.

My work days usually go from either 6 to 2 or 8 to 3, so I am ready do exercise midday and then get home.. so the morning classes are too early and the afternoon classes too late!

But it is really good to meet you too, to quote the inimitable Dory, 'Just keep swimmin!'

[NewMe12]

[COLOR="Indigo"] Good Morning!

I went swimming and attended 1 hour Water Aerobics this morning. It feels really good to get my exercise done first thing in the morning. I don't have to worry about working late or choosing between going swimming or going to the dog park with Connor after work.

I think I am going to try swimming laps tomorrow morning before I go to work. I have get up really early and get organized so that I can do my hair and makeup, dress and leave for work directly from the Gym. I am not normally an early morning person, so this is a bit of a challenge.

You are right about Water Aerobics being a good workout. I definitely feel it in my painful muscles after class and the next day. I am really seeing an improvement in my physical strenght and flexibility since I started attend WA more regularly.

I am inviting Water Joggers to join our discussion group too.

More later...


Nancy (NewMe12)[/COLOR]

[NewMe12]

[COLOR="Indigo"]Hi Everyone,

Swam 40 laps yestrerday... Feeling great! Next week, I will try to attend early morning water aerobics class on Mon and Wed and evening water aerobics on Thurs... and try for early morning swims on Tues and possibly on Thurs or Fri.

Benefits of Swimming and water based exercise--check out these links:


Benefits of Swimming - Health Benefits

Water exercise

More later...


Nancy (NewMe12)[/COLOR]

[MsKat]

Good Morning, My name is Kathy and I'm water exercise addict

I'm a faithful lap swimmer and water aerobics participant. I had my 7th knee surgery the end of Jan and that's all I was allowed to do since. Trying to get all my leg muscles in shape for knee cap replacement within the next 6 months

This past week I started adding in the treadmill and i sure feel every bit of it. My YMCA pool hours are tough to make. All water exercise is 600-700PM or early mornings and I work 730-430 most days but they throw in a few evening shifts.

My daughter was on siwm team and she started me using her fins and boy talk about a work out. I use the kick board with them on and the next day I'm sore so know it's doing something.

I don't keep track of laps just time. And when I'm done I do five-ten minutes of walking in the water to cool off.

[bookwormmom]

Hmm... thinking about where to get some swim fins! I work out in the pool for an hour at a time, would love to 'up' the intensitey. I use the foam dumbbells under the water the whole time and it has done nice things for my arms. But my legs are on 'easy street' in the water. I do walk in the resistance lanes, backwards is a different sort of work! They have all kinds of equipment there but I don't think swim fins...You look great so keep it up!

[MsKat]

You can buy them online or any place that sells swim caps, swim googles etc. I got mine at Scheels but my friend bought hers online. I wanted to be able to try them on.

[bookwormmom]

I will make a stop at Academy.

I took my daughter to the pool, we had to hurry as she had an Ortho appointment, but we had a nice swim and trip to the sauna...aaaahhhh!

[Kiwi Mum]

I swim 2-3 times a week doing 40 laps which is 0ne kilometer. I only do breast stroke but it does help with muscle tone. I meet up with a friend and we have a green tea after.

[bookwormmom]

I did my hour water workout today. I looked at swim fins online.. holy moly.. hope they aren't that pricey at Academy! I put on a set or ankle weights that they use for the rehab patients and 'upped' my work with those.

[NewMe12]

[COLOR="Navy"]Hi Everyone!

I went to morning Water Aerobics class Monday morning before work. Today, I am heading to pool shortly to swim laps. I swim 40 laps at time too. I swim 2 breast stroke, 2 backstroke, 2 freestyle and repeat this set of 6 laps 4 more times for a total 30 laps, then swim 10 freestyle laps.

I bought my swimfins at Keifer online swim shop $20-$25 if I remeber correctly. They last forever.

Got to go... heading to the pool...


Nancy (NewMe12)

"I can't fly, but swimming is the next best thing.... The water is my sky." ~Author Unknown
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[MsKat]

Morning folks I have been busy but did manage to get my swimming/aerboics in.

M swam 45 minutes mixed it up with some water jogging
T water aerboics tough night of it and felt every over used muscle
W swam 30 minutes still sore from Tues night but swam any way

Today plan on water aerboics different instructor so might not be as sore. Dealing with a pulled muscle in my calf and boy I would love to cut it off

[bookwormmom]

Did my water workout today, felt simply grand!

[NewMe12]

Originally Posted by bookwormmom

Did my water workout today, felt simply grand!

[COLOR="Indigo"]Congrats! I love my water workouts too! I really miss the water if I;m away from for more than a day or two. [/COLOR]

Originally Posted by MsKat

Morning folks I have been busy but did manage to get my swimming/aerboics in.

M swam 45 minutes mixed it up with some water jogging
T water aerboics tough night of it and felt every over used muscle
W swam 30 minutes still sore from Tues night but swam any way

Today plan on water aerboics different instructor so might not be as sore. Dealing with a pulled muscle in my calf and boy I would love to cut it off

[COLOR="indigo"]I understand and sympathize about the muscle pain. My Thrusday evening water aerobics instructor is really tough. I always hurt everywhere for the next few days after her class. But I am definitely getting stronger as result of this class, so I continue to go. I went tonight but it was cancelled. So I swam 40 laps and waterjogged instead. I was really in the zone swimming tonight... it really felt good!

My Monday and Wednesday morning water aerobics instructor is not quite as tough as the Thursday instructor. But her workout really loosens up all the joints and tones my legs and arms.


Nancy(NewMe12)

"I can't fly, but swimming is the next best thing.... The water is my sky." ~Author Unknown

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[MsKat]

Nancy have you tried the deep end water aerboics. I went too that one day not even thinking much about it. Thought I was going to die. Stuck it out but it's only offered in the AM and I usually have to work

[Leo41]

I have severe osteoarthritis and have been swimming for years. About 25 years ago, I was having terrible back problems, and one of my colleagues told me that HIS doctor had recommended swimming to strengthen the core and relieve his back problems. I've been swimming since and have had no further back issues--except for a period when I hurt my shoulder and could not swim--back problems returned!

I swim at 6 in the morning--2-3 times a week. Our pool is 25 meters and I swim slowly, 20 lengths take me 30 min. Then I do an exercise program that physical therapists designed to strengthen leg muscles (I have very bad knees). I can't easily do the exercises outside of the pool, but in the water, it's great, and the water provides enough resistance that I don't need to add weights.

While I've been doing this program for years, just recently I've started 'feeling' it later in the day and/or the next day and I'm concerned because I've never had any aches before. Perhaps it's just aging. . . .

[MsKat]

Well my coworkers are hooked on swimming and water aerboics. The one came to me the other ay and said you are looking awesome and wanted to know if she could start doing whatever it is I'm doing. When I told her she just laughed and said I had to be doing more.

She started with me on Friday night with laps, did water aerobics on Saturday AM and this morning convienced me to go in at 0600 to swim laps (I usually go in the PM) She told her friends who signed up at the Y and now it's a party. Hope they stick with it.

[bookwormmom]

Did my water workout today, great fun and a nice workout as usual!

[NewMe12]

Originally Posted by MsKat

Nancy have you tried the deep end water aerboics. I went too that one day not even thinking much about it. Thought I was going to die. Stuck it out but it's only offered in the AM and I usually have to work

[COLOR="Indigo"]

My Monday and Wednesday water aerobics class has 40 minutes in the shallow end of the pool and 15 minutes on the deep end... followed by 5 minutes stretching exercises in the shallow end.... not too bad...

BUT my Thursday night water aerobics class is half shallow and half deep--30 minutes each. I really feel it after this class. My muscles hurt for the next two days. I am also really tired after class. I used to swim 40 laps after water aerobics class, but after Thursday's class I only swim 10 laps and bearly manage that.



Nancy (NewMe12)[/COLOR]

[MsKat]

Went to water Aerobics last night and pretty sore this morning. I work late tonight so doing my laps at 0600 this morning.

We worked with the balls last night. Thats where you put the ball between your knees and have to do crunches and leg lifts. It's very hard to keep that ball under the water.

Nancy that sounds like a tough work out on Thursday night. I love it though no matter how tough it gets.

[bookwormmom]

Got my pool workout done, I stepped 'up' to the more challenging larger water dumbbells. And OH I feel it in my pecs!

[NewMe12]

[COLOR="Indigo"]Hi Everyone,

Congrats to everyone for your successful water workouts!!!!

I went to Water Aerobics last night... and swam 20 laps after class... tough workout... My muscles are really hurting today! But it good hurting... Overall, I feel great... joints are loose and have lots of energy today.


Nancy (NewMe12)

"I can't fly, but swimming is the next best thing.... The water is my sky." ~Author Unknown

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[Doing this Again]

[COLOR=seagreen]I'm a lap swimmer. I've ALWAYS been a lap swimmer. In November 2008 I started thinking about an open water swim. I kicked my distance up at that point from 1-2 miles. Then I completely took 3 weeks off over x-mas & new year's while I was on vacation. When I got back I took a few weeks to get back to 2 miles, and then registered for the race. I started a training plan of 2.5 miles M & W, w/ the full 3 miles on Sat. This is my last Saturday in the pool before the race the first weekend of May! [/COLOR]

[COLOR=seagreen]I was beginning to think about quitting after the race. I have been sooooooo bored face down in the water w/ no TV, no head phone, no dog, no trails, no nothing for like an hour and half (on average) 3 days a week. Then I think maybe I'll just cut back to something reasonable like 2 miles twice a week and add biking or something. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=seagreen]I already run 3 days a week too. But I am SUCH a beginner w/ that! I'm only NOW getting to a respectable distance after 2 months on the treadmill and a month out on the road. I'm also only in the last week approaching even a SLOW 10 min mile. But I'll get there. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=seagreen]Thinking about a tri for the fall. [/COLOR]

[bookwormmom]

There are waterproof Ipod type devices you know! I saw one online, thought how nutty, but I would think if you are doing a lot of swimmng yes, I can see how it would get boring!

Good luck with your plans and your races!

Back in the pool for an hour yesterday, dialed it back to the lighter water weights as I was still a little sore!

[NewMe12]

Originally Posted by Doing this Again

[COLOR=seagreen]I'm a lap swimmer. I've ALWAYS been a lap swimmer. In November 2008 I started thinking about an open water swim. I kicked my distance up at that point from 1-2 miles. Then I completely took 3 weeks off over x-mas & new year's while I was on vacation. When I got back I took a few weeks to get back to 2 miles, and then registered for the race. I started a training plan of 2.5 miles M & W, w/ the full 3 miles on Sat. This is my last Saturday in the pool before the race the first weekend of May! [/COLOR]

[COLOR=seagreen]I was beginning to think about quitting after the race. I have been sooooooo bored face down in the water w/ no TV, no head phone, no dog, no trails, no nothing for like an hour and half (on average) 3 days a week. Then I think maybe I'll just cut back to something reasonable like 2 miles twice a week and add biking or something. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=seagreen]I already run 3 days a week too. But I am SUCH a beginner w/ that! I'm only NOW getting to a respectable distance after 2 months on the treadmill and a month out on the road. I'm also only in the last week approaching even a SLOW 10 min mile. But I'll get there. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=seagreen]Thinking about a tri for the fall. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]Welcome!!! Congrats on your swimming and amazing weight loss results!

I started this thread because no one was talking about swimming, water aerobics and water jogging exercise programs. I was a competive swimmer when I was young. I love the water... Lap swimming is a natural fit for me. I only swim 1-2.5 miles a week... and 1 hour water aerobics classes 2-3 times a week. Your swim routine is truly inspiring!

Keep up your swimming and good luck with your race!!! We will all be with you!!!

There are waterproof music players and mp3 player waterproof armsbands, waistbands, earphones, etc that can be used with you existing mp3/ipod players). I looked into these for motivational and pacing reasons.

Good luck and thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. I look forward to future posts from you.



Nancy (NewMe12)

"I can't fly, but swimming is the next best thing.... The water is my sky." ~Author Unknown
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[NewMe12]

[COLOR="Indigo"]Good Morning Water Buddies,

This morning, swam 20 laps and 30 minutes of water aerobics. I was late getting to pool due to a work issue. I really like swimming in the morning.


Nancy (NewMe12)

"I can't fly, but swimming is the next best thing.... The water is my sky." ~Author Unknown

P.S. the new avatar is my dog, Connor. We just got back from the dog park, where I snapped a few photos of him.[/COLOR]

[Doing this Again]

[COLOR=seagreen]I did my 3 miles over the weekend. 2.5 today and the last 2.5 on Thursday. Maybe.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=seagreen]I've been reading all day about races, endurance, distance, and tapering. I was going to just stick w/ what I've been doing. Then the possible differences between the pool and open water started to induce panic, and I considered 4 miles for this afternoon. You never know, a current and veering off course might make 3 miles more like 5 come the race! I want to make sure I can do MORE than 3 if I have to. No sense in all this training if I end up not finishing!! [/COLOR]

[COLOR=seagreen]Then I became more persuaded by tapering when I worked up a triathlon training plan for after the race. That program had TWO weeks of three 20ish min days just before the race at the end. Different races, but roughly an hour and a half of a race same as the 3 miles SHOULD be! [/COLOR]

[COLOR=seagreen]Now I'm just confused and starting to panic. I also need to find a wet suit to rent between now and Sunday. And get a hotel room. I'm prepared physically, but mentally it's only just beginning to sink in that the race is THIS WEEEKEND! I've been swimming 8 miles a week for close to 3 months!! Only 5 miles left now! You know, if I could figure out what I SHOULD be doing w/ this last week. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=seagreen]On the waterproof iPods. I have a case from H2Oaudio that is absolutely waterproof, and an iPod shuffle to go w/ it. The problem is the headphones. They're absolutely waterproof too - but QUIET, and just crap out as headphones after 2-3 months. Expensive to replace too (like $65-$85). I've bought 2 sets of headphones. They do help - I swim faster w/ them! But I get REALLY angry when they just quit on me. Can't buy different ones, or they wouldn't be a watertight seal w/ the waterproof case from the same company. The last 3-4 weeks I've just gnashing out the miles and bored. I do REALLY enjoy swimming w/ the music. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=seagreen]Sorry for the bummer of a post. Just overwhelmed today w/ starting to get mentally prepared for the race. Better today than the day of though, I suppose! Get it out of my system now and be in a better mind frame on Sunday. [/COLOR]

[bookwormmom]

I am sure getting ready for a race is as much mental prep as physical, that is quite a challenge but I am sure you will get it all in place!

Back to the pool and back to the heftier water weights for an hour today, we'll see how the muscles feel tomorrow!