Whether you’re a competitive swimmer or just looking for a good exercise, swimming can help you burn calories and build muscle strength. Swimming also relieves stress and enables you to relax. It can also help you cool off in summer. Even as you get older, swimming can be a safe and effective way to maintain your health and fitness.
There are four basic types of swim strokes. Known as the front crawl, freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke, these forms of swimming require different techniques and regulations. Depending on the style of swimming you want to learn, there are specific equipment and training requirements.
In the freestyle swimming stroke, the arms enter the water behind the head, and the elbow moves in an arc. The legs are then flutter kicked to the surface. In the early vertical catch, the hand pushes the water past the hips and then moves forward, creating a streamlined body position. In the recovery phase, the elbow bends to lift the arm out of the water.
In the breaststroke, the arm and leg movements are asymmetrical. The arm lifts the head out of the water to breathe, while the leg and foot come together and push the water. This stroke is considered the slowest of the four competitive swimming strokes.
During the breaststroke, the shoulders are lifted out of the water, allowing the swimmer to breathe easily. The arm is then stretched in a line with the shoulder. The arm is pulled out of the water by the elbow, then the hand enters the water again. The elbow and palm of the hands push the water past the hips. The arm then returns to the horizontal position.
The backstroke is a very unique stroke that requires a different starting position. The legs flutter in an alternating pattern, like a windmill, to create propulsion. Unlike freestyle, the backstroke is swum with the feet bracing against a wall underwater. This allows the swimmer to find a breathing pattern that works for them. In addition, the arms move in a windmill pattern. This allows the swimmer to regain a horizontal position before exiting the wall.
The dolphin stroke is another type of swimming stroke. It is similar to the backstroke, with the difference that the swimmer reaches the surface in a stomach down position. The arms are then moved in a symmetrical pattern, a little more like a dolphin. The backstroke kick is then used for propulsion.
There are two major swimming competitions. These are the Olympics and World Championships. The Olympics are held in the summer and are regarded as the most important events for swimming. In addition, the World Championships were started in 1973. Among the most popular swimming races are the breaststroke, the backstroke, the butterfly and the freestyle.
A wide variety of facilities across the United States have pools. In addition, many high schools have competitive swim teams. It is also an affordable sport and can be done at almost any location. Having a swimsuit and fins will help you learn to swim faster.