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

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.

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.

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.

You need a healthy diet. If you burn more calories than you take in you'll notice a big change.

No, as long as you're athleticly gifted, and have a strong work ethic, you will be fine.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Try to find a more experienced swimmer to show you, and just keep practicing.

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.

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.

35 seconds is very impressive. With more practice, you could potentially be a professional swimmer. Dropping even 5 seconds could help a lot.

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.

No. There is no maximum age, you get clubs for all ages. Just choose one which matches your ability.