Anybody start swimming after 40?

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-15-2006
Anybody start swimming after 40?
3
Mon, 01-19-2009 - 10:29pm

I'm wanting to start swimming for exercise since it is an exercise that you can do until you are very old. But most of the people I know who swim for exercise are former youth competitive swimmers who have years of experience.

I took swim lessons for the first time when I was 25! Then I never really used it.

I'd love to hear from anyone who started swimming for exercise after age 40. How long did it take you to get proficient enough and in shape enough to actually swim continously for 30 minutes?

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-27-2001
Mon, 01-19-2009 - 10:35pm
Welcome to the board.
Nancy

"Make Choices that bring you joy"  cl-Patty


 


iVillage Member
Registered: 01-03-2001
Tue, 01-20-2009 - 6:09am
Hi and welcome! Thanks for posting. Not a swimmer but I'd guess if you'd gradually increase your time maybe in 6 to 8 weeks you could see improvement. How long

Miss P




 

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-15-2006
Tue, 01-20-2009 - 7:21am

I can barely go 5 minutes but I think I need to retake swim lessons just to become efficient with my strokes. Perhaps I should start with freestyle/backstroke alternating with kickboard. I'm embarrassed that I can't swim well and perhaps still a little uncomfortable with the breathing part. I know practice with fix that.

I am running/walking for 30-45 minutes right now with a goal of a half marathon. But I've got to work swimming into my workout plan because I need a backup exercise in case of injury and for cross training.

I sure envy all those former swimmers!