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Swimming with AF

jillybeanposh profile image
15 Replies

Hi everyone, I have decided to join slimming world again! This time I am going to stick with it. The first time I lost 3 stone but I did a lot of swimming then. Do any of you swim and how

Much per week. Just been reading up on it and it states to take it steady I never swim very fast anyway how much is steady. Hope you are all having a good day xx Gill.

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jillybeanposh profile image
jillybeanposh
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15 Replies
jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50

Hi Jilly

I'm nervous about swimming now, as it was that which kicked off my recent two month spell of AF (only halted by a cardioversion). I used to train twice a week in my thirties (was one of the fastest in our group) and was cross with myself when I went to the pool and felt so worn out, think I pushed myself too much.

So please, if you do go, take it very slowly and gradually build up. I'd say don't do more than 15 minutes of very slow lengths for a few weeks, with lots of rests in between laps if needed.

Jean

jillybeanposh profile image
jillybeanposh in reply to jeanjeannie50

Hi there Jean, think I will just walk my dogs a bit further. Bit hard at the moment as we are surrounded with water. Xx

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply to jillybeanposh

Sounds like a good idea. The weather has been dreadful hasn't it! It's very wet in Devon too, we've had rain every day for weeks on end! Not to mention the gale force winds on Saturday that brought down trees and knocked down several neighbours fences.

Stay well. x

LaceyLady profile image
LaceyLady

I swim for 20 minutes, then 20 minutes of aquarobic exercise, running, walking etc 3 x per week. I’ve swam for a long time, before I had the AF episode. My cardiologist knows and said it’s ok. I listen to my body:)

diminished7th profile image
diminished7th

I swim 2 or 3 times a week and also do aqua classes. I’ve swam all of my life though. I’m more at home in the water than walking for several miles.

opal11uk profile image
opal11uk

I have recently lost 5 stone with S/W and until the last 6 weeks I didn't take any form of physical exercise other than walking my dog twice a day and as it is a Chihuahua the walks were not very fast or long lol. Good luck on your journey, you can do it just remember to pre plan your meals and record daily.

jillybeanposh profile image
jillybeanposh in reply to opal11uk

Hi there, I have three dogs the latest being a 8 month chihuahua. She only walks where she wants to go. I alternate her walks with the other three. Two at a time. She is so gorgeous but

She

Just stops

And won’t

Move she is such a scaredy-cat as well. My old dog who is 13 will walk for ever he

Helped

Me

Lose

Three stone. X

jillybeanposh profile image
jillybeanposh in reply to jillybeanposh

Congratulations on losing your weight that is so

Amazing.

jillybeanposh profile image
jillybeanposh in reply to jillybeanposh

Sorry about

Type don’t know why it does that.

yanbart profile image
yanbart

'Steady' is very subjective, but for me it's swimming at a speed that when I'm fit, I can maintain for a long time comfortably without getting out of breath and feel ok afterwards. As others have said, best to build up slowly but go for it! and very best of luck 👍

terryw profile image
terryw

Hi jillybeanposh. Try it and see how you feel. I swim once a week 30 lengths using the crawl stroke, which I find better for my neck and back. I am slow but sure and continuous! There will be periods in the pool that are less crowded. I go in the afternoon in the hour between the schools ending and the young ones starting to learn. Avoid womens' acqua aerobics time!

I find swimming keeps the body beautiful!! TerryW

jillybeanposh profile image
jillybeanposh in reply to terryw

Yes I think I will go just once and see what happens have an appointment with special on 18th re ablation will

Ask him. Enjoy your swimming.

Eddie49 profile image
Eddie49

Hi jillybeanposh. To my knowledge I have only had two AF 'episodes', both kicked off by two very short swimming sessions, once in the pool three years ago and once in the sea this summer. However, I can use the treadmill, cycle machine, cross trainer etc. for long periods without a problem (so far!). So it is just going to be floating and body surfing in the Gower coast sea for me from now on - next year that is, much too cold now! Eddie

Marytew profile image
Marytew

Hi Gill

The advice below is from the British Heart Foundation’s website

‘…… swim in water with a temperature between 26–33C (79–91F) as this will have the least effect on your heart. Most public swimming pools are regulated at 29C, which is 84F. Pools that are hotter than 33C may cause your blood pressure to drop, making you lightheaded or faint. Being in colder water may provoke irregular heart rhythms.

If you have a heart condition, only swim when you are feeling generally well and allow at least one hour after a meal to pass before you get in the pool.

Enter and exit at the shallow end and get used to the temperature and depth. It’s important you warm up and cool down, so start and finish your swim at a slower pace and build up and down gradually.

The best swimming stroke is the one most familiar to you. You shouldn’t hold your breath when exercising, so avoid swimming under water or with your face in the water for too long as this can cause an increased strain on your heart.

You should always stop swimming if you experience chest pain, palpitation, light-headedness or don’t feel well.....'

jillybeanposh profile image
jillybeanposh in reply to Marytew

Thankyou. I think I am going to stick to my walking it’s free and you can go anywhere.thank you again.

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