When you’re looking for a way to cool off on a hot day, swimming is a great option. But this full-body workout is more than just a fun activity for kids and adults to enjoy; it’s also a great way to stay healthy and strong. Its combination of cardiovascular exercise and strength training provides a complete workout without putting too much strain on the skeletal system. And, it’s perfect for those who suffer from conditions such as arthritis.
Incorporating swimming into a fitness routine is an excellent way to strengthen the muscles in the legs, arms and back. It also helps build total body endurance, a key component of any sport that requires coordination and the ability to control your breathing. It’s no wonder that athletes such as skiers and figure skaters rely on swimming to improve their performance.
As a low-impact, aerobic activity, swimming burns calories and increases cardiovascular endurance without putting too much stress on the joints and skeletal system. It’s a great complement to other activities such as running, cycling and weight lifting.
While it may seem like an intimidating activity for someone who is not comfortable in water, swimming can be a safe and rewarding experience for all ages and fitness levels. The important thing to remember is that swimming is a skill that takes time and practice to master. Learning how to swim is not an overnight process, so it’s important to remain patient and commit to a regular schedule of pool time and/or lessons.
One of the biggest reasons people get injured while swimming is because of an improper stroke technique, especially the catch phase. The best way to prevent this is to focus on proper hand entry and a smooth pull through the water. This will help you to stay tall in the water, keep your stroke tempo consistent and reduce shoulder injuries.
To optimize your hand entry and catch, make sure that it’s entering the water just above the surface. You don’t want your entire arm to enter the water underwater because it will create resistance. This will slow you down and cause your stroke tempo to drop.
Another big mistake swimmers make is turning their head to breathe while they’re in the middle of a stroke. This can lead to a loss of momentum and result in an inefficient stroke. Instead, keep your head aligned with your body and breathe every two or three strokes to avoid the air-inhalation drag.
A pull buoy, a small foam device placed between the thighs to eliminate the kick-induced buoyancy, can be a great tool for beginners who are working on their stroke technique. It can also be used by experienced swimmers to help them focus on their technique and decrease the amount of unnecessary kicking they do.
Remember to always wear a life jacket or personal flotation device when in close proximity to open bodies of water. It can be the difference between life and death if you find yourself caught in a rip current or drowning. It’s also a good idea to learn the basics of water safety before heading to the beach or the pool so that you can be prepared for any emergency that could arise.