Swimming is an aerobic exercise that helps to improve overall health and wellness. It can also improve mental health by reducing stress and anxiety.
The physical benefits of swimming include:
a lower impact on joints, a good cardiovascular workout, and increased strength in muscles.
It is an easy form of aerobic exercise for everyone, and is a great way to stay active.
The low impact nature of swimming makes it a popular choice for people who are recovering from injuries or have medical conditions like arthritis. It can also be a great option for those who have a fear of running or other high-impact exercises.
You can increase the intensity of your swim routine by adding interval sets to it. Intervals are short sets of exercise that you repeat for a specific amount of time and distance.
Aim for a minimum of five laps in each set, and aim to increase the number of laps each time you swim, says Gagne. You can also change up the type of stroke you do during your sets, she suggests. For example, instead of swimming three laps freestyle and one lap breaststroke, try adding a few laps of kick to your set.
Always remember to warm-up before you swim and cool down after you’ve completed your workout. This is to keep your body from feeling too hot and reduce your risk of injury.
If you’re a beginner, it’s important to learn proper stroke technique so you can avoid getting injured. This includes correct finger position, hand and wrist tension, and using adequate force to propel yourself forwards, says Jones.
Having the right technique will help you to swim faster and further, she advises. It will also help to prevent any injury to your arms, shoulders, and legs, she adds.
The best way to practice your stroke is by signing up for a swimming class. This will teach you how to swim correctly and also give you the opportunity to compete with others in a pool setting.
You can start by trying out classes at your local gym. Many clubs have free or subsidized classes, so there’s no reason not to sign up!
Once you’re able to master the basics of swimming, try to find a partner to go for a swim with. This will make it more likely that you’ll stick with your workouts and reach the goals you set.
Joining a swim team can also be helpful, as it will provide you with additional motivation to complete your workouts. This can also be a great way to meet new people and stay accountable for your goals.
Finding a good partner can also be a great way to stay motivated during your workouts, she advises. She recommends looking for a buddy who is also swimming and who will be willing to help you out if you’re struggling or need advice on your stroke.
It’s important to remember that it can take time to build up a base of strength and endurance to become a better swimmer. It’s also possible to get injured in the process, so don’t push yourself too hard at first.