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Post by Stephen on Mar 5, 2022 0:44:08 GMT
This might be a bit of a random thread to create but thought I'd go for it.
Last Summer I started having panic attacks. I hadn't properly addressed a lot of stressed in my life and it all came flooding out at once. It was really difficult at first but I gradually managed to change my routines to promote a healthier life in general. I dropped 5 stone in weight from changing my diet and discovered the joys of swimming. It really allows me to switch off from whatever else is going on/focus on something that I need to think about.
Any fellow pool lovers here? I've been amazed at the mental health benefit for me.
I have recently perfected proper breaststroke technique and am trying to work out the best routine to shed the last stone of weight in my goal. I'm struggling to find a good workout routine online. When I just swim at a high intensity for 30 minutes I feel knackered and really nauseous/flushed for hours afterwards. I've heard about varying intensity for max calorie burn but not sure of the best workout to do this. Eg should I swim say 5 minutes slow to warm up then do two lengths high intensity then one slow and alternate etc?
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Post by harrystyles on Mar 5, 2022 11:24:24 GMT
Swimming.org have some good training programs and I think the Speedo website does too. Or you could do the swimming section of a triathlon training program- there are loads online. You are right that interval training is best for fitness. Congratulations on your change in lifestyle- very good for your mental and overall health.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Mar 5, 2022 12:15:33 GMT
Amazing achievement Stephen, well done! |
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Post by crowblack on Mar 5, 2022 12:35:09 GMT
I wish there were more outdoor pools. I used to live right opposite Brockwell Park lido and that was lovely, though cold, and I was much fitter then than I am now. The irony of the campaigns to improve them is that it then whacks the house prices up, though what that really should do is prompt other local authorities restore or rebuild the ones they used to have.
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Post by Stephen on Mar 5, 2022 14:23:40 GMT
Thanks for the advice! I have some friends who swim in lidos. They are the hardcore swimmers!
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Post by anthony40 on Mar 5, 2022 17:04:11 GMT
Well done Stephen for finding something that helps you both physically and mentally
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Post by Mr Snow on Mar 8, 2022 16:34:27 GMT
Well done jumping in I wish you well keeping up the habit for the rest of your life.
Swimming is amazing exercise, as its non load bearing(can't think of correct term) injuries and pain are rare and the aerobic benefits are huge.
It doesn't have to be just up and down the lanes. As others have said set challenges to improve, learn more strokes and keep interested.
Some have waterproof ear headphones to splash along to. (I'll just say that's not for me!)
Google you local Open Water Centre - its another exciting challenge.
I'd just add that one of my top 10 books of all time is a history of Swimming. Haunts of The Black Masseur by Charles Sprawson. Read it and feel kinship with some very special individuals, Byron (an excellent swimmer), Swinburne, Scott and Zelda etc. etc. etc. The Greeks and Romans loved it and yet it became a minority, eccentric interest. Navies refused to teach Sailors to swim, lest they disserted! Surprises on every page and beautifully written.
Available cheap on eBay,
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Swimming
Mar 9, 2022 1:04:39 GMT
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Post by Stephen on Mar 9, 2022 1:04:39 GMT
Well done jumping in I wish you well keeping up the habit for the rest of your life. Swimming is amazing exercise, as its non load bearing(can't think of correct term) injuries and pain are rare and the aerobic benefits are huge. It doesn't have to be just up and down the lanes. As others have said set challenges to improve, learn more strokes and keep interested. Some have waterproof ear headphones to splash along to. (I'll just say that's not for me!) Google you local Open Water Centre - its another exciting challenge. I'd just add that one of my top 10 books of all time is a history of Swimming. Haunts of The Black Masseur by Charles Sprawson. Read it and feel kinship with some very special individuals, Byron (an excellent swimmer), Swinburne, Scott and Zelda etc. etc. etc. The Greeks and Romans loved it and yet it became a minority, eccentric interest. Navies refused to teach Sailors to swim, lest they disserted! Surprises on every page and beautifully written. Available cheap on eBay, Thank you for the unique literary suggestion! Sounds great. |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 9, 2022 1:51:48 GMT
Well done for all you have achieved so far! Keep going! That last part of weight loss is always the hardest, but when you get where you want to be, it's also the most rewarding.
Many, many years ago, back in my teens, i used to be a competitive swimmer, swimming for the County, but there is no way i can do lengths in the pool like i used to. Now i do a few lengths and I'm knackered, but as you mentioned, there is something to be said for just getting your head down, focusing on the right techniques, breathing at the right intervals and reaching the end of the pool without drowning, that makes other thoughts slip away.
Breastroke is a great way to get yourself going in the pool and build up the stamina, now consider learning the freestyle (front crawl). It burns more calories and needs more focus on technique and breathing. You can try breathing intervals at 3 stokes and then increase to every 5 strokes once you're more confident with it. It doesnt have to be fast. There's something aboout watching a person
Glide up and down the pool with a consistent speed abd style that is hypnotic to watch. To me, at least!
If you want a different type of challenge and live in London, i suggest you try swimming at Tooting Bec Lido. Its the largest, fresh water pool in the UK. A competition length pool is 50m, Tooting Bec Lido is 92m! And its not heated. I can barely do 1 length in there when i go.
Keep us updated on your progress!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 11, 2022 16:51:38 GMT
Interesting piece good to see you have found an activity which helps you to cope. When I read topic and then saw first post about panic attacks I thought thast and swimming isn't a good mix but clearly it really helps.
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Post by Stephen on Mar 11, 2022 22:10:27 GMT
Interesting piece good to see you have found an activity which helps you to cope. When I read topic and then saw first post about panic attacks I thought thast and swimming isn't a good mix but clearly it really helps. I know it maybe wouldn't seem like it but it really does. I think there's many reasons why. When I'm particularly stressed, swimming requires enough focus that I can clear my head and switch off a bit but it's also something which I really enjoy so the perfect mix. There's also the routine of going daily and the commitment alongside being inaccessible for the hour that I'm there. It feels like a safe space for me. There is also the relaxation element: I have a proper workout in the pool then sit in the hot tub and under the powerful water curtain which is very relaxing. All in all I'd recommend it to anyone! |
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