I'm taking up a swim training program...

[RyderJ]

Anyone have any thoughts on using swimming 3-5 times a week as a core body workout? As golf is mainly a core strength game, I would imagine that swimming would be extremely beneficial...but I'm not positive. So, I ask, what do you guys think? To swim or not to swim?

[GaijinGolfer]

Swimming is a great workout and unlike a lot of other exercises, its not hard on your joints.  I dont see any harm in it.

[RyderJ]

I have been looking at the speedo website, and they have several different 12 week workout plans. Beginner, advanced beginner, intermediate, advanced and technique. Obviously I'm going to start with the beginner but I still intend on mixing in some cardio. After a little reading, I think swimming and golf might just go hand in hand together...lol. I'm off to the gym here in a bit to give this first swim a shot.

[N255]

Swimming can only be beneficial! As you say it works all the core and that will stand by you in your golf game and for later years too.

[RyderJ]

I will say that, although swimming is a great core workout, for proper fitness I believe there should be some variance in fitness training. In other words, I plan on sticking with my cardio regimen and qi jong, and mixing in some free weight training occasionally as well.

[RyderJ]

So I finished my first swim training session...and WOW! I didn't realize how difficult it was going to be, and I've always been an above average swimmer. On Speedo's website, the estimated time is about a half hour...it took me an hour and fifteen minutes to compete it! Very tough workout, yet I can't wait to head back in the morning and try workout 1B. I have a feeling I'm going to end up becoming addicted to this program...more to come.

[rustyredcab]

17.5 laps in the pool at my health club is half a mile. So, I mentally play a round while doing 18 laps. Nice distraction and a great way keep count.

[RyderJ]

Not sure how many laps is a half mile in my pool. It's a 50 yard lap pool though...

Finished workout 1B and it was just as difficult as yesterdays. On the bright side though, I haven't had this much fun working out so hard in a long time....maybe ever. I really need to get a pull bouy and some fins to complement some of the sets I'm doing.

[rustyredcab]

RyderJ,

Please share a link to the workout program you are using. Is this the "pace club?" Sounds interesting.

I would be a raw beginner. Can swim forever but breaststroke and slow. Been comfortable in the water for years but always water skied as a kid or played goalie on a water polo team -- have not had a swim lesson since I was 9 years old. Freestyle stroke is like a beginner.

I feel like my swim workouts are great for golf since the entire workout feels like stretching.

[RyderJ]

http://paceclub.speedousa.com/training/fitness_levels

Here's the website, not sure if the link works or not...

Yes, RRC, it is the pace club workouts. I grew up in the water and have always loved swimming as a form of relaxation...until I started this program. It's still relaxing now, I just feel like I using my time more productively by actually attempting to improve my time and technique.

I am starting on the beginner, however, I think next week I may take the week off and work on some technique drills...not sure yet.

[RyderJ]

Just got back from Day 3...I actually took a break from the training program and focused on some technique drills today. They were quite a bit harder than I had imagined they would be...guess my swimming stroke isn't quite as solid as my golf stroke just yet...lol.

[School Yard Pro]

Swimming is fantastic exercise.  Definitely helps my body get in shape for the snowboarding season.

[RyderJ]

I feel people are mistaken when I say "swim training program". I, obviously, mean that with no offense, however this morning's workout alone was the better part of 3 miles( including warm-up and cool-down). I suppose it could be said that I am "investigating" whether or not swimming heavily will improve one's golf game. Unfortunately, during today's round I felt something "pop" on my left foot during a follow through. It hurts to swing now, however I can walk fine. The perpendicular motion of my foot seems compromised as well, and I honestly think I may have to get it checked out (can't say that's an optimal solution).

On a lighter note, I've spent the better part of last week working my swimming technique, and I must say, the videos on the Speedo website are both helpful and informative. Having said this, I can only hope this doesn't set me back.

[Taco]

Swimming is one of the best full body workouts you can do.

As some of the other posters mentioned, it is smart to mix up your routines and confuse your body as well.

Your core along with the rest of your body will benefit from this workout.

cross training is always an excellent idea for sports.

[imtomtomim]

Swimming is great for golf and it's a wonderful way to work out.  I'm a USA swimming coach and taking up golf and integrating common athletics has benefited me greatly in both sports.  I still swim 3 times a week, around 5000 yds, 90 min.  If I have time to go more, I will.  Now, I don't do this alone, and I'm not very good at motivating myself in solitude so I actually swim with a USMS team, or Masters swimming for any swimmer 18 and over.  Just do a quick web search of teams around your location and there should be a group which meets anywhere from 3 to 6 days a week, instructed and planned by a coach and catered towards your level of ability.  In my experience, they have taken anyone from the beginning fitness swimmer to experienced competitive athlete.  Most who go are 35-late 70's.  It's a great place to socialize while getting a great workout.

As to the benefits, since taking up golf 3 years ago, the benefits have crossed in similar ways.   Freestyle and backstroke are long axis strokes which simulate the same exact rotation of the body as the golf swing.  In turn this correlates many similar principles such as consistent path, timing of power phases, posture, core muscle control, etc.  One has helped the other.

Does anyone remember watching Big Break Disney?  Ed Moses was there, 2000 Olympics Gold and Silver medalist, breaststroke world record holder.