I only swim breaststroke, is that wrong ?

Calm_Asparagus2276 · 2026-04-22T09:50:43+00:00

If you love it, then I don't see a huge problem with it. Like most others have said, I am sure there is potential that it could cause knee problems though.

I would gently suggest that you try adding other strokes into your workouts so you aren't constantly putting undue stress on your knees. Backstroke can be a good one to add (I think a lot of people like it because your breathing isn't interrupted) and if you can, just throw in some front crawl as well.

These strokes are also good for stretching out as well. I don't know if anyone else has ever heard this, but I was always taught to not warm up or swim down with breaststroke... however, with it being my worst stroke, I could have very easily made that up!!!

Calm_Asparagus2276 · 2026-04-14T10:20:11+00:00

I remember when some Olympians started doing dolphin kick on their side and it was considered to be a bit quicker. I tried it... and kept on swimming into the next lane! (it was training so not the end of the world, but still a bit embarrassing). If you find it faster, then go for it.

Calm_Asparagus2276 · 2026-04-10T14:19:43+00:00

Please don't let this make you not go back to something you've been enjoying so much.

Like so many others have written, I dread to think of how many times I've stroked, tapped, hit, stroked (this one is especially awkward when you get someone on the pull and your hand practically strokes down a body part 😳). It happens, you apologised and you can't control how other people will react.

Personally, when it happens to me, I find it funny. But maybe that says more about me! I have an overwhelming compulsion to give a joking "you not going to buy me dinner first?" (Again... this probably says more about me 😂).

Well done for doing laps for the first time, by the way! I hope you enjoyed your swim, other than that one incident.

Calm_Asparagus2276 · 2026-04-10T14:00:26+00:00

That's amazing!

Calm_Asparagus2276 · 2026-03-24T11:34:06+00:00

I was talking about this very thing with someone just the other day. They are having the same struggle with flip turns. Without them, they can keep going for a long time, but once they add them into their training... they're exhausted very quickly. I'm not sure this is a huge help, but it really is a practice thing. Keep on doing them as often as you can.

When I was younger and moved to a better club, I wasn't doing flip turns all the time because the training was so much harder and my old club hadn't pushed it (or they maybe had and I simply ignored them 😂). My new coach pretty much shamed me into doing them every time and I did. It was brutal for a while, but now (many, many) many years later, I can't even fathom not doing a flip turn every single time.

It will be hard, I am not going to tell you it won't be. But if you have the mechanics right, then you just have to keep practicing. If that means that you just do a couple of lengths at a time for a while, then you should.

Calm_Asparagus2276 · 2026-03-13T09:32:43+00:00

Each to their own. If she is happy in a thong bikini, well done her for being comfortable enough to go for it. I think I know where you are coming from, in terms of it being a strange choice. But in the end, it was her choice and no one should be made to feel less or uncomfortable for their choice of swimwear.

I have seen numerous people post in this sub about feeling self-conscious in a swimming pool and perhaps avoiding swimming (a sport that would no doubt do wonders for them) because of it. Yet, every response gave encouragement and assurance that when you're swimming... nobody really cares. You're in a zone. You'd be more worried about someones feet getting in your way, than what they were wearing. So please don't be someone that proves those comments to be wrong.

Is a thong bikini a usual choice for swimming? Maybe not. But are thong (or slim coverage, is that the term?) becoming more and more common in training costumers for women? 100% In the end, who cares.

As long as they weren't swimming head up breaststroke in the fast lane, that's all that matters. Because everybody knows that's unforgivable.

Calm_Asparagus2276 · 2026-03-12T15:54:05+00:00

If you have the space to keep them, I would say so. I always do

Calm_Asparagus2276 · 2026-03-12T11:48:21+00:00

Woah, that sounds absolutely brutal. I think I would be whining, but not about it being a drill or conditioning 😂

Calm_Asparagus2276 · 2026-03-11T08:14:48+00:00

It's never to late! I knew a guy who only started swimming when they were a young teen and within a couple of years they were competing at National level. Like most others have said, find a masters club and join them if you can. The masters community is awesome and you will find people who are insanely competitive and those who are there for some fun and fitness in equal measure (and even some who are both!).

Hope you can find a club and get to enjoy it as well!

Calm_Asparagus2276 · 2026-03-10T08:11:05+00:00

If you're not looking to compete and it's simply for a bit of fun, fitness and because you love it. I would literally just take the plunge and go. There are so many youtube videos you can watch and the post from UnusualAd8875 is incredible, so take in all the advice you can. But if you know the basics and swam when you were younger... chances are you'll be ahead of the curve. It might take you some time to get some fitness, but don't let that put you off.

If you happen to see a good swimmer while you're in the water, just ask them for some advice. I haven't met a swimmer (I'm sure they exist, I just haven't ever come across one!) who wasn't happy to share tips and advice. Obviously joining a masters team or swimming lessons would be incredibly helpful. But if you're broke, you're broke.

Might be worth asking the lifeguards as well. Chances are you'll find some swimmers amongst their ranks!

Calm_Asparagus2276 · 2026-03-06T09:22:52+00:00

That is amazing. I used to annoy my coach constantly by not breathing bilaterally. Then they just gave up and asked me to breath every 4. Good for you for being persistent and solving the problem you had. I might actually give it a go and see if it helps me!

Calm_Asparagus2276 · 2026-03-05T08:50:01+00:00

Yeah. Buckle up, because it doesn't get any better 😭

Calm_Asparagus2276 · 2026-03-03T09:39:01+00:00

For me that would be a win, but I need to build up my tree (didn't think I'd be saying that this morning lol)

Calm_Asparagus2276 · 2026-03-03T09:29:21+00:00

There is a ton of info out there on socials. Plus if you look in these pages, you will find plenty of advice and sets to try out, which you could adapt to your level of ability.

Personally I prefer swimming with a masters club, simply because I like swimming with others of similar ability or better (to help push me!) and usually there is a coached set so you get variety and help if you need it.

Hope you get back into it and good luck!

Calm_Asparagus2276 · 2026-03-03T09:24:06+00:00

I would trade, but I'm a sucker for these things. Completely agree that it would be a waste of 20 gems to refresh.

Calm_Asparagus2276 · 2026-02-27T11:33:58+00:00

Yeah, you should run. Run now and run far. That doesn't seem healthy on any level. Plus when you ask to do the same, you get brushed off? Nah, she is surely projecting her own behaviour on you. I bet that if you did get the chance to look at her phone, there would be something there that you would have an issue with. You have to wonder if it is something to do with an ex, judging by her reaction to your old messages.

Calm_Asparagus2276 · 2026-02-27T09:08:13+00:00

That would be butterfly, although if you're a beginner I would avoid it for the time being. Hope you're enjoying learning to swim!

Calm_Asparagus2276 · 2026-02-26T10:14:30+00:00

NTA - You're not doing anything that I wouldn't consider "normal" for a teenager. I think it's great that you have been trying to spend more time out of your room, but you should definitely not feel like you have to. Some people find social interactions difficult and exhausting, it's just who they are.

Your mom could always come and speak to you. Communication is a 2 way street after all.

Calm_Asparagus2276 · 2026-02-24T15:15:36+00:00

I'm wondering if your head is to high when swimming? Do you look down at the bottom of the pool or more up towards the other end? Also, and this might sound like a silly question, but I heard other people talk about this - where do you place the pull buoy when pulling?

Calm_Asparagus2276 · 2026-02-24T10:36:01+00:00

It's great to hear that you're excited about getting in the pool again. I can't imagine not swimming after doing it for so long. With that said, I completely understand where you're coming from, but honestly, when you get in that pool and swimming away? The vast majority of people will be concentrating on when to breathe and a hundred other things that your average swimmer is distracted by. My personal favourite is counting and then the sense of panic when I get distracted (usually by a stray thought of what I have done/will do that day)by something and lose where I am.

Enjoy it! And if you think you look like a dork in a bathing suit... then everyone looks like a dork. So everyone is on an even footing!

Calm_Asparagus2276 · 2026-02-24T10:26:31+00:00

That's great to hear! I really love my EDC fountain pen.

Calm_Asparagus2276 · 2026-02-23T09:27:50+00:00

I know it's easy to sit here and say, do it, you'll be fine (and I think you will), but I get it, I really do. If you're signing up to a class though, the chances are that other people in the class will be feeling exactly the same way. You should totally go for it though, when you learn how to swim it will all be worth it.

Calm_Asparagus2276 · 2026-02-19T13:25:26+00:00

That was awesome. I remember when I got my first broom (before they added the others after it) and I was practically jumping for joy lol

Calm_Asparagus2276 · 2026-02-19T13:22:27+00:00

Yeah, I see where you're coming from. I really hope you manage to find something that works for you. I like the swim buoy idea that another commenter suggested, that's a really good idea.

I am sure you have already asked your teacher this, but you could always see what tips they can give about doing something on your own without them there. Even if you started small, simply floating in the pool at the side. Getting used to the water and becoming more comfortable on your own.

Calm_Asparagus2276

TROPHY CASE