Many of us fondly remember spending a hot summer day splashing around with friends and swimming team teammates, and while this joyful activity is often seen as a childhood pastime, it can also be a great way to stay active as an adult. According to an exercise physiologist, swimming offers a full-body workout that burns upward of 400 calories per hour, stokes the metabolism, and tightens from head to toe without putting stress on joints.
Whether you’re new to swimming or an experienced swimmer, there are always ways to improve your skills. This article will provide you with tips and tricks to help make your next pool session more efficient, effective, and fun.
One of the most common swimming mistakes is looking at the clock during a workout. This can be a huge source of frustration, and it can distract you from paying attention to your body position, smooth strokes, good turns, and proper breathing. During a race, it’s especially important not to look at the clock, as this can lead to an overexerted start. This can cause you to fatigue faster than you should, which will likely lead to a poor performance.
To avoid this, it’s a good idea to plan your swims and practice sessions in advance. This will allow you to schedule them around other commitments and will prevent you from making last-minute changes that can impact your performance. It’s also a good idea to take lessons in the early stages of your swimming journey, as these can teach you basic strokes and techniques.
Swimming can be a great workout for those who have trouble with other forms of exercise, as it’s a low-impact form of aerobics that can be performed anywhere there’s access to water. It’s also an ideal cardiovascular workout, and it has been shown to decrease the risk of chronic heart disease. It’s even a well-tolerated exercise for people who have suffered a heart attack or are in cardiac rehabilitation.
Another benefit of swimming is that it doesn’t require a lot of equipment, so you can easily do it on your own or with friends. However, it’s still a good idea to invest in some basic equipment like a pair of goggles and a nose clip. These items will protect your eyes from chlorine and dirt, and they’ll help you see better in the water.
If you’re interested in trying out swimming as a fitness option, it’s best to consult your doctor first. They can let you know if it’s a safe and appropriate exercise for your current health status, which may include whether or not you have any preexisting conditions. In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you undergo cardiac rehabilitation or take up other types of exercise before recommending that you begin swimming.