Swimming Exercise Plan: Week 2, Day 3

Week 2:  50 yards Maximum

Day 3:

See how you are feeling when you add another 2 reps to the peak set.  Our focus is building cardiovascular endurance.  You will feel like you are working.  As always, if any step is too much, then go back down to the previous day or stay on this day until you master it.

Novice Level

This is the Novice level of the beginner plan.  This is for those who are new to exercising, or who haven’t been exercising in a while. This plan does, however, assume that you have a basic ability to swim at least one length of freestyle swimming.  If you cannot, you should first take a beginning swimming class at your local YMCA or other such instructor. You should consult your physician before beginning a structured exercise program to make sure that you are physically able to exercise.  Swimming exertion is usually measured by distance per a given time interval.  In the US, most pools are 25 yards, but those in health club facilities may vary.  In this program, we will use time per length or multiple of 25 yards, for example 50, 100, or 200.  We will use time to achieve this goal as a measure of perceived exertion.

Periodization Promoted Continued Weight Loss

Each exercise plan is built upon periodization, which is the idea of cycles which increase in intensity in a fixed pattern.  Each week increases the intensity of the exercise.  While each day during that week increases the duration so you get the maximum benefit.  As you continue to exercise, your body becomes more efficient, and the more efficient that you become, the less energy you use.  This is why variation in your routine is important.  To get the most out of your routine, you have to challenge your body in new ways, which is why none of these routine is for longer than 4 weeks.

Always make sure that you stretch before and after exercising.  You can get some tips on proper stretching at www.gettingfit.com/warmup.html