Swimming

[Fido]

I had fairly severe neck and shoulder pain for about a year which visits to Doctor and physio didn't clear up. A foot injury has stopped me running so I did some gym exercises that didn't seem to be doing me much good. So for the first time in my nearly 70 years I decided to give swimming a proper go. Armed with goggles that pretty well matched my reading glasses at -10.00 and some research on breaststroke technique, videos etc. I've been off for early morning swims for the last 2/3 weeks.

For the first time in a year, the neck pain seems to have gone and even my foot is rapidly improving. I'm really amazed how a simple thing like swimming has had a greater impact than any of the exercises prescribed by my Doctor and physio, neither of whom suggested swimming as a help.

And I'm really enjoying my time in the pool - breakfast on the table when I get in. Highly recommended - if you have been thinking about starting/ returning to swimming, get to it.

It's never too late....

 

[antdad]

Lot's of folks carry over the poor technique they learnt as a child so it's well worth investing in a few professional coaching sessions too if you are serious.

 

[Fido]

Only serious from the point of view of getting decent aerobic exercise. I've taught myself most of my sporting life although I did have coaching for cricket, golf and table tennis. I'm happy with my breaststroke technique which I have quickly adapted after studying many of the videos available on the internet.

 

[sjedwardz]

I'm learning to do the front crawl at the moment. I've taken out some lessons at the council run pool / gym. Very reasonable at £3 for a half hour session, got one tonight at 9 30.

Bloody frustrating trying to learn though!