Swimming is one of the most popular recreational activities in the world. It’s also a highly competitive sport and an excellent form of exercise. In fact, regular swimmers are eight times more likely to meet the health guidelines for physical activity than people who don’t swim. It strengthens the heart and muscles, boosts mood, and decreases the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. It can also help with recovery from injuries and illness.
It’s important to have a safety plan in place before you begin a swimming regimen, especially if you are new to it. A qualified physiotherapist or exercise physiologist can guide you, teach you the proper techniques, and tailor your program to suit your specific needs. It’s also a good idea to check with your doctor before you start training, particularly if you are older than 55 or have a health condition that may make swimming unsafe for you.
The breaststroke is an effective full-body workout, strengthening and toning the arms, back, and chest. Its unique feature is that it involves breathing to the side, rather than through the nose and mouth. It’s also easier to master than other swimming strokes.
Freestyle is a fast and versatile stroke that burns calories, builds muscle, and increases endurance. It also provides a great cardiovascular workout and helps to tone the legs and buttocks. However, it’s important to remember that the head must be out of the water to breathe.
Butterfly is an advanced stroke that requires a high degree of skill to execute. It requires a lot of coordination and balance, and can be challenging for beginners. Once mastered, it is a powerful and efficient stroke that can be used for short distances or for long-distance races.
It’s recommended that you warm up and stretch before entering the pool, and always swim in water that is at least waist deep. It’s also best to avoid swimming in bad weather, as cold water can be more difficult to move your limbs through.
When you’re ready to take your swimming routine to the next level, try increasing your distances, adding interval training, or working on different strokes. Swimming is also an excellent way to improve your flexibility, and can help you feel more relaxed both mentally and physically. You can even work swimming into your daily routine to help manage stress, or as a form of rehabilitation for injury. Just be sure to have a proper macrocycle, including training, rest and recovery, and you’ll soon find yourself swimming better than ever before!