I was wondering what a good swimming fitness plan is. I just had the x-rays done today to confirm that I have a stress fracture in my leg, so I'm looking for some exercise alternatives. Today was my first day and I did 5 freestyle laps and 5 breast stroke laps. Don't make fun of me, I'm new to this :)

Actually maybe I did less than that. I'm guessing 1 lap equals going to one side and then back?? Ok so thats a grand total of 5 laps lol.

Yeah, I heard that swimming is the best exercise for you. Cause you get cardio and water resistance. If I had a pool, I'd do that all the time. I have a friend who does 50 free style laps. Or 25 if you count both ways. So just do what ever you want. Try 5 free style, 5 breast stroke, 5 back stroke, 5 side stroke, 5 using only your legs on your back. It's really up to you, and how much you can handle. But maybe you should work up to 25 since you only did 5 laps recently....

i also love swimming but i'm really pathetic at it. instead of swimming back and forth continuously and quiting after 10 minutes to avoid drowning myself i like using flotation stuff. you put one of those floating noodles under your hips and go with just your arms the length of the pool a few times, and then use a kickboard to get your legs (or put the same noodle under your arms, you get the idea). it's a lot easier because your head's above the water but you still get the workout. also a good way to focus on a particular muscle group if that's what you're looking for. good luck!

I've been a swimmer for about 9 years, and really a set routine is based upon what you can do - it does take some time to build up, but it sounds like you're off to a good start.

Generally one way is considered "1" lap, so you did do 5 each way - :) Good job!

I've swam so much that recently I started working more on cardio out of the pool since it doesn't seem to do much for me anymore, but a good general workout is to consider full body, then just arms, and just legs.

My typical routine was 20 freestyle laps to warm up (500 yards), then 20 laps with a booey (it goes between your legs, so you're only using your arms to swim), and then 10 kicking (I hate kicking hahah).

I wasn't much of one for mixing strokes, though honestly I should because I get a much better work out when I do. Apparently moving between breast and free is one of the best alterations you can do!

Work your way up slowly, try adding an extra lap or two every day until you have a solid routine built up and you're comfortable with the length of time you spend in the pool. Keep a close look at your stroke when you do free style or you could be over-exerting yourself without really getting the workout you like.

Basically - streamline! I've helped coach a lot of people in proper form (I was a diving coach and got flagged with helping the swimmers now and then) and it's amazing how quickly, after working on it, they can almost double their lap numbers!

Just keep working on it, your lungs have to adjust to the new work out as well, this will be really good for your injury!

Thanks so much for the advice!

No problem - and good luck! In can get a little tedious but the payoffs are well worth the effort :)