Like other forms of cardio, swimming can be great for your health and well-being. However you approach your swim workouts, know that you’re reaping serious physical and mental benefits every time you hit the lap pool. ![]() Here are some freestyle drills, recommended by Doherty, to get you started. Or if you prefer to stroke on your own, add variety to your workout by incorporating different strokes and drills. Keep things interesting by joining a group swim lesson, class, or workout. “Most people that go into swimming just want to swim back and forth, and then they get bored,” says Doherty. Even if it’s only 10 minutes a day, it all adds up! If you’re able to consistently swim three times a week, you should see big improvements in about six weeks, says Doherty.įinal tip: Once you get into a swimming routine, don’t be afraid to mix up your workouts. ![]() “Frequency in the water is probably the most important thing for you to get better,” Andrew Stasinos, NSCA-certified personal trainer, ASCA Level 2 certified swim coach, and USAT Level 2 certified triathlon coach, tells SELF. Start with 20- to 30-minute sessions, and swim one length at a time, suggests Doherty.įrom there, slowly ramp up your duration and distance, and be as consistent with your routines as you can. Swimming is a challenging sport, and even the fittest athletes (think marathoners and intense cyclists) can struggle with it at first, says Doherty, so don’t be discouraged if just three minutes of straight swimming in the pool leaves you winded. When it comes to actually getting in the water, start slowly and ease your way into a swimming routine. You should also bring a pair of shower shoes or flip-flops to wear around the pool and the locker room to guard against issues like athlete’s foot. Buy short fins (not the long fins that scuba divers use), says Doherty, who recommends fins by Speedo, Finis, and TYR. Last, consider purchasing a pair of fins, as they naturally help you learn how to kick better, says Montenegro. Silicone swim caps tend to feel more comfortable than latex and are more effective than cloth caps at keeping water out and reducing drag. Many experts also recommend swimming caps for people who want to keep their hair out of the way while swimming. Swimming also incorporates muscular endurance work, since tackling lap after lap requires your muscles to function for long periods of time. As a result, you feel breathless, and your heart rate increases. That’s because it involves lots of large muscle groups working together simultaneously and continuously, which requires your heart to work hard to pump oxygen throughout your body. Swimming counts as cardiovascular exercise. We also rounded up 10 seriously awesome mental and physical benefits of swimming, so you can feel extra good about adding pool time to your schedule. ![]() We tapped three experts for insights on proper technique, gear, and how to safely and effectively start a swimming routine. ![]() This low-impact sport can breathe new life into your workout routine, and there are tons of other benefits from swimming that might make you want to sub it in as a fresh cardio option.īut before you put on your suit and hit the lap pool, there are some things you should know about swimming for fitness. Feeling meh about your cardio routine? Consider swimming.
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