Official (lap) swimming thread

[Topcarbon]

this is from AI

For preserving and building muscle mass as we age, lifting weights is significantly better than swimming. While swimming is an excellent, low-impact cardiovascular workout, it does not provide the progressive resistance needed to counteract age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia).Lifting Weights (Resistance Training)Muscle Growth: Lifting puts direct tension on muscles, causing micro-tears that rebuild stronger and denser.Bone Health: The impact and mechanical loading of lifting weights are proven to increase bone density, protecting against osteoporosis.Balance & Power: Weight training builds the specific functional strength needed to get out of chairs, carry groceries, and catch yourself if you stumble.Consistency: You only need 2–3 sessions a week to see major benefits.

[chassis]

I want to push back on the "only weights or elastic bands" as tools to address sarcopenia.

My upper body (pecs, deltoids, biceps, triceps) are noticeably larger since I started rigorous swim training. And, I will never be mistaken for Arnold Schwarzenegger or Lou Ferrigno.

My quads and hamstrings are not as developed as my upper body, but doing OK imo. Undoubtedly better than if I didn't cycle or run.

I prefer objective measurements (weights, dimensions, volume) when talking about what is "good" or "better". It is too easy to drift into opinion which does not lead to understanding imo.

What about push-ups? What about sit-ups? Are they totally ineffective against sarcopenia? A little effective? A lot effective? Serious questions.

My goal is "overall health". This is all-encompassing. I am not trying to relive my 20s or to compete in body building or competitive sports.

I want to read peer-reviewed papers that describe longitudinal sarcopenia studies and measure the differences in muscle volume in response to many different forms of exercise. This is an easy scientific concept, the question is how many papers have been written like this?

[eliphil]

What is everyone’s preferred pool temperature. For years I kept mine at 82 minimum but after reading the benefits of cold water I have not turned on my heater yet this season. Swam at 77 yesterday and 79 today and it felt good.

[chassis]

Not exactly sure, but upper 70s sounds about right for lap swimming. I will pay closer attention.

[chassis]

1825m today, good swim. We used the Shane Homes YMCA in Calgary, great facility. 8 years old and an architectural masterpiece.

25 meters feels noticeably longer than 25 yards. I shared a lane with one swimmer most of the time. Water temp was approx. 80F.

Nice hot tub and shower facilities. This YMCA was a great stop en route to Banff.

[chassis]

800m swim, felt good. Short workout in the pool, it came after 2 hours of pickleball. Nice community recreation center in Prince Rupert, BC.

[MyZ4Coupe]

Last week of swimming before summer break. Hoping to do some longer distance swims in the lake to stay active. I need to try and strengthen my legs up so looking for a bike to ride this summer. Possibly going to try and do some basic weight training as well.

Quick 800m last night. We swim Thursday then Sunday morning is our last one. They close the pool here for summer so they can do maintenance etc.

[chassis]

1600m swim at the Crystal Rec Center in Victoria BC. Nice 50m pool.

Shared the lane with one swimmer for most of the time, then a third joined shortly before I got out. 50m lanes makes sharing much easier than 25yd/meter lanes.

Nothing special in speed or stats, just trying to maintain fitness while on vacation.

[eliphil]

2nd time in pool last few days and now realize 78 to 80 degrees is good for me and refreshing

[chassis]

1800 yds today, good swim. Back to a 25yd pool in Humboldt County, California.

I felt good and pushed today, and achieved a few sets of 200s at my target training pace. I am not training for anything at the moment but I like to retain a 10 minutes for 550 yards pace.

[chassis]

2000 yds today, good and challenging swim. We used the Telluride community (outdoor) 25yd pool. Cool location with mountains on three sides. Started with full sun, then some cold rain came in. We finished our workout and got out of the pool, and some thunder came in, but it didn't last long.

The challenging factor was swimming laps at 8,750 ft elevation!

[chassis]

1600yds, good swim. No speed records broken! Shared a lane with another swimmer. Today was a get in/get out kind of workout.

[chassis]

Sort of lap-ish.

I swam 4x150yds open water along a nice beach in a clear water inland lake. Water was chest deep the entire time, easy to navigate.

The wind was blowing and there were steady 1-1.5’ waves. Doesn’t sound like much but when you are bobbing like a cork and a wave greets you when you turn to breathe it makes you notice!

Doing this swim made me remember what a challenge a 600yd ocean swim was in January when I tried out to be an ocean lifeguard in Florida. Granted I was in better shape and was prepared for it, but it was nevertheless a challenge!

[chassis]

Another 4x150 open water at the same beach.

Summertime and the living is easy!

[MyZ4Coupe]

I have been doing a bit of swimming off our dock lately so I dont completely lose my progress over the summer. It is 250m approx to my neighbors dock and back so I did that twice yesterday. I didnt expect it to be so hard to swim in a straight line!