Swimming for Total Fitness: A Progressive Aerobic Program

I have carried this book around with me for weeks, have been swimming laps since late June. Lost 8 lbs (so far and today is Sept 14). Don't believe those websites that say swimming laps does not burn fat. I have lost 2 inches of fat just from my waist and 2 inches from my back.... SO, get this book, read it and get in the pool! Swimming is great for the body AND the mind... (-;

I bought this because I wanted a better understanding of swimming as a sport. I had learned the skill of swimming like most people do in their youth, but since I wasn't very interested in or good at sports my learning stopped as soon as lessons did. In adulthood I rediscovered the joy of swimming and I wondered how I could develop more sophisticated skills. I also wondered how "real" swimmers think and feel about their sport and how they go about their training: what challenges them, what kind of routines do they use.This book was perfect for me. The author began with the absolute fundamentals of having a relationship to the water and went on to suggest basic routines for the beginner like me. She then took her descriptions to routines for those on the advanced competitive level. I liked being able to see where a more talented person could and would go which is in itself very interesting even though I'll never reach that level; this insight puts my own beinning work into perspective.After reading this book I was inspired to swim and continue improving my routines. I would never need another book on this subject after this one, it's that all-encompassing for the amateur.

After years of aerobic dance, running, and weight lifting, I wanted to find an aerobic activity that was less injury-prone. I turned to swimming, and found it to be the perfect alternative. An avid childhood swimmer, I just needed some tips for refining my technique--it wasn't until I picked up this book that I discovered that my breathing technique was all wrong! I also liked the ideas for progressively more intense workouts that went beyond just endless laps. This book gave me all that and more--I'm now doing flip turns and as Katz says, my joi de vivre now includes joi de l'eau!

I've just decided to take it up again, but I have too much experience for the adult swimming courses at the local Y but wasn't fit enough to join the Masters swimming program. This book helped me relearn the strokes and got me back into the routine of swimming. It's even teaching me to dive, finally!

I wanted to begin a swimming program but didn't know where to start--this book was definately the right place! The book takes you lesson by lesson in a very motivating and nonthreatening way. It covers everything from the very basics to indepth information on technique for the more advanced. It is easy to read and understand, but is also comprehensive in the information it covers. Not only does Jane Katz teach you to swim, but she then includes a series of workouts for the beginner, intermediate, advanced, and master. This book is the only one you need. I highly recommend it!