Looped,
Hitting the pool is a great idea. I have 2 masks and 2 sets of fins that I use in the pool and work out a couple of days a week. One mask is just a regular mask, the other has a cracked frame and leaks like you wouldn't believe. I use both. The old cracked on I use to work on mask clearing while swimming laps and the good one while I just want to work on kick technique or endurance.
I also have 2 sets of fins. One cheap very flexible pair that I like to think of as my baby step fins. When I started working out in the pool my hip was debilitated so much from an old injury that I was walking with a cane. Swimming a lap or two and I was done at first. Just couldn't do anymore. Have been able to drop the cane and my constant pain that I endured for years is gone. I am spending a lot money on scuba gear, but much less on doctor bills and scuba is more fun.
I have recently started using Scuba Pro jet fins as part of my pool workout. Here is a link to the fins I am talking about:
http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/Cate...DescSort_0/Filter_2=83:1=310/SCPFJ.html?Hit=1
They definitely work out my legs much more than my cheap fins that I have been using in the pool or my Scuba Pro Twin Jet Split fins that I use in open water diving. I can only swim at this point about 1/3 as far with the jets in the pool. I am pretty happy with the result. These new jets are really working my legs and I hope one day to be able to run again. I also use Speedo fitness gloves in the pool.
http://www.sportsauthority.com/prod...TSA/2057738&fbc=1&kw=speedo&parentPage=search
You don't use your arms to swim in scuba much if at all. But while you are in the pool these provide a great workout for your arms. I dislocated a shoulder a while back and these have been great for my rehap on the shoulder.
To keep track of time and laps in the pool, I bought a Timex Iron Man watch from Walmart for about $30. It has a lap button that lets me keep track of how far I swim without me having to think or try to remember what lap I am on. I hut hit the button at the end of the lap and keep on going. Makes the pool workout more enjoyable for me.
People look at me while I am gearing up with my fins, duck hands and mask and snorkel, but who cares! I am feeling great, getting in shape, and having a great time. If I provide others with a little amusement and make them chuckle at me, then I have brought a little happiness in the world too. For the ones that laugh so hard they fall in the pool, well, it keeps the skills of the life guards fresh! LOL!
Good luck to you. Keep us posted on how you are doing.
Leah