Condition Yourself to Become a Swim Junkie

So you want to be a swimmer. Not just an occasional swimmer, but a hardcore, eat-drink-sleep 24/7 type of swimmer.
Here’s what you need to get started!
 

1. Motivation

Like anything that requires effort, you need motivation to do it because sitting on the couch watching TV is much easier than working out. Write down the reasons why you want to become a swim junkie and display them in a place you will regularly see them, like your fridge or bathroom mirror.
-Do you have a tropical vacation planned and want a hot swimsuit body?
-Do you have a big event coming up and want to be in your best shape?
-Did you sign up for your first triathlon?
-Do you want a new hobby?
-Are all your friends swim junkies and you feel left out?
These are just a few reasons, but obviously there are many more. Whatever your reasons, write them down, make a collage, draw them, do whatever you need to do to get the idea across. Then when you’re feeling tired and lazy, just look at those reasons and get your butt to the pool!

2. Equipment

Credit: All Ear Plugs

If you want to get serious about swimming, you need to make sure you have all of the necessary equipment in place. If you don’t have something or it’s really worn out, now is a good time to buy it for the first time or replace it.
Here’s what you’ll need to get started: swimsuit, goggles, towel, swim cap, water bottle, waterproof iPod, waterproof headphones, waterproof stopwatch, bag to carry everything in
Optional: kick board, foam water weights, weighted gloves, swimming fins, swimming earplugs, soap and shampoo (if you plan on showering there).
 

3. Workouts

Just like running and biking, swimming takes time to build up the endurance you will need for a long workout.
At first, you will get tired quickly and will have to take several breaks. You probably won’t be able to swim longer than 10 minutes or so. That’s ok, just know it will get easier!
There are several beginning swimmer workout plans that you can find online. Most will be for three workouts per week.  A particularly good one is the Zero to 1650: A Mile in Six Weeks by Ruth Kazez. It has everything you need to work up to a swimmer’s mile, which is 1,650 yards (1,500 meters).
You can also check out different smartphone apps. For Apple, there’s swim-a-mile and on Android there’s the 1650 app.
 

4. Music

Avoid boredom and find the energy to keep swimming when you feel like giving up by listening to music.
With Underwater Audio’s Waterproof iPod, you will have hours of music, audiobooks, and podcasts at your fingertips. Your swimming workout will never be the same!
Are you a swim junkie? Share your advice on how to become one in the comments below!