Q&A for How to Exercise to Become a Better Swimmer

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  • Question
    I'm 12 and want to go to the Olympics. I haven't been on a team in 3 years, but I'm thinking about rejoining. How do I get faster and stronger?
    Community Answer
    Be committed in practice. Do what you can and test your limits (without overdoing it). Practice, practice, practice. That's all you can do. Also, consider doing drylands.
  • Question
    How do I get a better kick? I'm doing it right, and my legs are pretty strong, but it doesn't seem to get me anywhere.
    Moonlightpetal Cherry
    Community Answer
    Try kicking quickly at the surface of the water, but with small, quick kicks. You don't have to straighten your legs completely, but don't bend them too much. Keep practicing at perfecting your technique and you'll get better.
  • Question
    I get tired every time I finish a 50-meter swim. What do I do to give me more power?
    Community Answer
    I would definitely say to exercise your arms and abs. Abs are quite possibly the most important muscles in swimming. If this doesn't work, figure out what is tired when you're swimming, then focus on building there. Also work on building your cardio.
  • Question
    I've swam for over 8 years perfecting these techniques, and yet I'm still fat and spaghetti-armed. What am I doing wrong?
    Community Answer
    You need a healthy diet. If you burn more calories than you take in you'll notice a big change.
  • Question
    Is 12 years old to old to start training for Nationals?
    Community Answer
    No, as long as you're athleticly gifted, and have a strong work ethic, you will be fine.
  • Question
    I get tired easily and I can't stop because I'm doing a 100-meter freestyle in a 25-meter pool. I also sink easily while doing breaststroke. What do I do?
    Kathy Zhao
    Community Answer
    Make sure to work on your endurance. This does not necessarily mean pushing yourself until you cannot swim anymore. This could mean building up the yardage a bit every day until you can reach a goal. When swimming, make sure to keep your hips up, as this is a large reason that many people sink. If you need to, holding your breath can also make you float.
  • Question
    I am 83 and have not been in a pool to swim for over 50 years. Where do I start? I know I can float, but not sure of much else at this point.
    Community Answer
    Swimming lessons is a great place to start, check out your local facility to see if they offer any sort of private or adult lessons. But floating is the most important part, so good job for already knowing how to do that! A great place to start now would be working on your kicking and moving your arms. Watching videos online is a great way to learn.
  • Question
    At what age would it be weird that I couldn't swim?
    Community Answer
    There's not really an age where it would be weird for you to be unable to swim. Many people never learn how to swim.
  • Question
    I'm always not good at keeping my head up when I'm in the deep end, like someone is pulling me down. What can I do to keep my head above the water?
    Community Answer
    You can keep paddling a lot and use your arms and legs to help you. If you still have trouble, try using a floatation device to help you practice.
  • Question
    I've practiced the flip turn over and over again but I still can't get it. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Try to find a more experienced swimmer to show you, and just keep practicing.
  • Question
    I have been swimming for 4 years and I have good body shape, but I need to get faster. How can I do that?
    Moonlightpetal Cherry
    Community Answer
    Train, train, train! You can join a swim team if you aren't already part of one, and your coach will gladly help improve your technique to become faster.
  • Question
    After I do a 50 m freestyle, my heart starts to hurt. What should I do?
    Tom De Backer
    Top Answerer
    It's most likely nothing serious, you're just out of breath. Go slower, don't push yourself too much. Try a different breathing pattern so you get more oxygen while you swim. However, never ignore chest or heart pain. If you get this just once, it's probably fine, if you get this every time, see your doctor immediately, or better yet, go to the emergency room. If you're in trouble in the pool, attract the lifeguards' attention immediately.
  • Question
    I am 19 and I can finish a 50m butterfly in 35 seconds, could I become a professional athlete?
    Community Answer
    35 seconds is very impressive. With more practice, you could potentially be a professional swimmer. Dropping even 5 seconds could help a lot.
  • Question
    I do not float, at all, even in the great salt lake. When I use a board to practice kicking I come to a complete stop by the middle of the pool as I sink. What tips do you have for me?
    Qabas Wassef
    Community Answer
    Try to keep your back straight and head straight. Keep your legs at the surface as well as your toes. Relax and don't stress out too much about not floating.
  • Question
    Is 14/15 too old to join a swim club?
    Ruby
    Top Answerer
    No. There is no maximum age, you get clubs for all ages. Just choose one which matches your ability.
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