Im a rookie swimmer trying to push it to the next level, so I can try out for a lifeguard test. Any tips on improving times, techniques, efficiency, etc. on freestyle? What weights and other exercises can I do to improve my strength if I dont make it to the pool?
2007-06-19 23:21:31 · 3 answers · asked by The Tinker 2 in Sports ➔ Swimming & Diving
If you are already a swimmer and you simply need to get better have a coach or instructor evaluate your stroke and make suggestions. Technique will carry you through to the next level and will increase efficiency and speed. Having someone evaluate your stroke is easy and if you have someone with some swimming background do it they can suggest drills or modify your stroke as needed to ensure you make the most of your efforts.
Getting in the water is the best thing you can do. The more you swim, the better you'll get. Dry land and strengthening are useful but not necessarily a substitute for being in the pool. Be sure if you DO decide to lift that you stick to low weights and high reps so you don't develop too much muscle. The swimmer's body is a very delicately balanced ratio of lean muscle to fat and you don't want to hurt that balance by putting on too much muslce. Light lifting will not hurt, just don't overdo it. Running is always a great way to get the cardio you need so if you can't make it to the pool go for a run. It's not going to work the same muscle groups but it will give your cardiovascular exercise and help improve your endurance.
My last suggestion is to pick up a book called The Fit Swimmer by Marianne Brems. It's a collection of over 120 tips, tricks and workouts for swimmers in all stages of the game. It's a great reference, is small and easy to read and offers workouts designed for your goals and abilities.
Good luck!!!
2007-06-20 01:52:40 · answer #1 · answered by Kristy 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
First, learn to be comfortable in the pool. When I was a lifeguard, I would teach swimming, and I found a lot of people aren't comfortable in the water.
Once you feel comfortable in the water, I would suggest taking lessons. Not necessarily, swimming lessons. Maybe snorkeling or water aerobics.
Remember, you're not going to go from Rookie to Lifeguard overnight.
2007-06-20 01:08:00 · answer #2 · answered by Big Feet 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go for swimming lessons. You can't make it good without practice.
2007-06-19 23:30:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋