by POPSUGAR Fitness 15

I am a fan of the Couch to 5k program for helping people get up off their couches and out onto the streets. Well, here is a plan to get you in the pool. Now that the weather warrants a dip in cool water to cool off, have you considered swimming for exercise?

Swimming, like running, takes some time to build up the endurance needed for lengthy workouts. With running, the first benchmark is a 5k, and with swimming it is a mile, which is 1650 yards, not 1760 yards (1500 meters).

I found this wonderful program created by Ruth Kazez. Her Zero – 1650: A Mile in Six Weeks plan is totally doable, all it needs is you . . . and a pool.

Here's an example of the workout for the first week.

Week One - Do three days
100 yards – rest for 12 breaths, repeat 3 more times.
50 yards – rest for 8 breaths, repeat more 3 times.
25 yards – rest for 4 breaths, repeat more 3 times.
Total: 700 yards

Most pools are 25 yards long, so this workout would be 14 laps, or 28 lengths. Doable, right? Each week you add 50 to 200 yards to your workout. You slowly build up your endurance.

Her site is also filled with great swimming tips and workouts. Check it out and start swimming; it really is a great workout. See you at the pool.

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