When should I start noticing a difference

[EvianBaby]

For the past month or so I've been going swimming three times a week.

I was hoping I might see some results physically by now. My diet is pretty much the same (if not a tad better) although could do with improving but I'd thought even going from no exercise to some would have some sort of effect.

[shoota]

Ease off on the mayo.....

[Sqad]

Twelve swimming sessions (we don't know for how long you swim)....by results physically....what do you mean?

Bigger breasts, bigger thighs?

I have 2 main comments.

Exercise is not the best way to lose weight........ cutting down food is.
Early days yet....carry on....make it a routine of your life to swim as exercise will help your cardiovascular system and diet will help you lose weight.

[jomifl]

Too right Squad, One large loaf suppies enough enery to run a marathon. some people eat that much bread in day..
But it is diffcult to eat whilst swimming ...

[237SJ]

I`ve never lost weight from swimming. I don`t think it`s the best exercise for losing weight. All I noticed was that my shoulders got that triangular look that athletes have.

[furrypusscat]

Do you just leisurely swim or do you put some effort into it. It isn't the best way to lose weight but a good all round exercise. Brisk walking is good exercise or possibly joining a gym. Eating smaller portions is the best way of trimming some excess fat off and cutting down on fatty foods.

[EvianBaby]

Lol, I don't want bigger breasts and I definitely don't need bigger thighs!

I swim for up to an hour each time - all of it is an effort :)

[Sqad]

Evian....you are doing fine.

One hour is a long time and swimming is basically boring.....if that suites you, then fine.

[EvianBaby]

I don't find it too boring, it's the only form of exercise I found I enjoy so far. Apart from when the little brats come over from the fun pool and start playing around in the lanes. I often wonder how easy it would be to 'accidently' drown one of them ;)

[vodkancoke]

I admire you for being able to do it for that length of time and not get bored! I have to do loads of different things every week to keep me going! lol

[EvianBaby]

Don't get me wrong, I'm no Rebecca Adlington - that's not non stop for an hour. I do have to keep taking little breaks so I don't die.

[Sqad]

Evian.......I know what you mean.......why do kids have to scream when they jump into the water?

What "bugs" me is that dad brings the young 8-10yr old daughters into the men's changing room, which makes me feel uncomfortable.....nobody else seems to mind.......

[EvianBaby]

I'm not surprised you feel uncomfortable, seems an odd thing for a father to do. Surely a child that age can get chanced on their own in a cubicle.

I don't know why the kids want to come in the main pool, they've got a whole other pool especially for them with slides and everything. I got hid on the head with a ball when they were playing last week while I was doing a length. I think the glare I gave them told them (and the 12 year old life guard) exactly what I thought if they didn't bugger off.

[furrypusscat]

12 year old lifeguard??

[EvianBaby]

Ok, not quite 12. But they look it. They're definitely too intimidated to tell the kids off most of the time.

Mean to reply to your earlier comment. I've tried walking/jogging before but I just find it so boring I'll find any excuse not to do it. I'm thinking of joining a gym but again I've done that before and end up paying out loads of money for someting I don't use.

[jomifl]

Sqad, those continentals have funny ways, why, here in rural france the local public toilets (which are spotless) are shared by males and females without a visible qualm (discretion at all times)

[furrypusscat]

Yes, been there, paying for gym use and not going. I try and swim 2 or 3 times a week as due to having arthritis, it is the only exercise I can manage. I usually aim for 50 lengths which takes me about 50 minutes, not quite olympic standard.

[Sqad]

jomifl....amazing.........I suppose that I will get use to it.

NOW....if some of the nubile women came and shared our changing room....

[ichkeria]

Exercise IS the best way to lose weight, as a rule.
Burn more calories than you consume and you will lose weight.
If you've not lost weight (if that's the aim) then it's because you're not taking out more than you're putting in.
But I'd venture to say also though that IF you're enjoying it and getting some sort of a buzz out of it then that's something in itself. Far more satisfying than sitting motionless in a chair forcing yourself not to eat that extra piece of toast :-)

[jomifl]

Evian, re. boring excersise, I found that I get past the boring phase quite quickly and if I am not distracted by interesting external events then I go into a meditative trance like state which sorts out a lot of stuff in my head. It probably does more good than the excercise.

[jd_1984]

A few factors will determine how soon you see or feel a difference.

Firstly, how long is it since you have regularly exercised, if at all?
Why are you exercising? Weight loss, muscle strenght and tone or general well being.
Do you tend to lose weight easily or do you struggle?
What exactly is your diet consisting of? Diet, I have always found is at least 60% of the battle.
How hard are you pushing yourself, are you swimming at a getle pace or are you really going for it?

Try to mointor your performance, either by time or distance and use this as a marker for continued improvement. As your fitness and cardio levels improve you should see a slight improvement in a month. If your aim is weight loss, dont weigh yourself daily, allow a good spell of exercise and good diet (2 weeks) this will give you a better indicator of how quick you are able to lose weight.

Remember diet is very important, more so than exercise if you want a visible difference. Load up an energy foods and slow release carbohydrates before training and then less carbs more protein for recovery after exercise. I always find it useful to allow myself a cheat day, where I eat whatever I want, at least 2-4 times a month and it does me no harm, in fact it gives me an insentive to diet!

Couple of further questions would be how old are you and how much do you currently weigh?

I am fairly up on the subject, although not officially qualified so I can give some ponters