Does anyone in the group do laps on a regular basis? If so, do you do only one stroke, or do you alternate? Also, do you count laps or amount of time that you swim?

I count laps (usually anywhere from 12 to 20) and alternate between the crawl and breast stroke, every other lap.

Do I swim; or do I swim? Not as much as I used to, but... Years ago, I was a skinny, scrawny thing and my Mom was so sure that something was wrong. Well, the pediatrician said "nothing is wrong that increase her appetite won't fix. Put her on a swim team/"

Well, Mom did and I fell in love-at age 5! I was involved in age-group competitve swimming until I was 16, then on college teams, swimmingi masters after that. When I moved out on my own, I started triathlons. First, just swimming in relays, then doing my own  triathlons. Then I got married...And I fell off the wagon. i've still tried to make lap-swimming part of my routine, but lupus and fibromyalgia got me.

But, I've  found that swimming is one of the best exercises for these. It's just hard to do when you hurt! Look forward to talking to more of my "friends with fins!"

Annie

Cool Group!

I swim weekly.  Right now I'm swimming to train for my 1st Sprint triathlon on October 5th in Melbourne, FL.

Also, I'm working on overcoming my fear of open water swims (OWS) & am planning on a 1K swim across a lake in Orlando, FL sometime in the next 4 weeks.

Nice to meet you all!

Kim

Yes, I swim.  I used to swim a 500 or a 1000, but haven't belonged to a pool since being here in Georgia.  they have a pool at the college I am attending, so I'll start swimmng a 500 again 4 times a week.  I love to swim.  It is so good for you!  A great way to stay lean!

I was a competetive swimmer in middle school, and have been considering it again because I LOVED it so much. what a cool group

I swim 1/2 mile 2-3 times a week. I mostly swim freestyle, but sometimes I incorporate breast stroke or back stroke.

Swimming is one of the best kinds of exercise. It's really great cardio and it doesn't put strain/stress on your joints like running can. Also, the best part for me is that I don't get all sweaty.

For me, swimming is also mental exercise. When I am in the water, I am just able to clear my head or just let my thoughts wander. The water has a really relaxing effect.

I love love love love this group with my entire&heart;
I swam on my highschool team, and although I loved it all the years I swam (2rd grade until graduation) I never put my heart into it until my last year, and now i want all my years back! Unforunately I am now attending a college that doesnt have a pool. I sort of regret it but oh well, maybe eveuntally I'll transfer. 
But anyway about swimming laps, I havent in a while I really try to, I have allergy/sports induced asthma so when my allergies really are bad its exremely hard to swim.
If you are looking for actual workouts go to www.swimplan.com you can sign up and put in information to get workout that best fit your level or whatever you are looking for.
I dont know if anyone else wants to, but eventually I would looveeee to get my coaching degree or whatever you need and be a modified swim coach:]

wow i love this group i was a competive swimmer for a little over 11years i feel right at home here!!

i would say the best warm up to do ia twenty 25's that way you can losen up before the distance stuff (i also coached swimming for 3years)