Get into Shape This Summer By Swimming

By Brandi Swieter 

Many people don’t realize just how great swimming is for their body. Some understand the activity offers an opportunity for fitness, but do not fully grasp just how much work is needed when swimming to gain true results. With some specific choices, the water workout can have a huge impact and help people get into shape this summer.

Stretch Before You Start

Starting a workout with some stretches is always the way to go. Failing to do so can result in injury, as well as weakened performance. The body needs to prepare for the task and changes it will be making in the process. Swim a slow lap for starters, and follow it with some simple stretches before really getting into the fast laps and exercises.

Use Multiple Stroke Styles

Using just one swimming style the entire time doesn’t give the body the chance to change. It will only use the same muscles over and over and swimmers won’t see much improvement after a while. Instead, multiple stoke styles need to be utilized when swimming for fitness. Use the breaststroke for a lap before switching to freestyle. Follow that with the backstroke before freestyling again. Try out different swim styles so all muscles within the body get targeted and a significant change can happen. It will tone the muscles simultaneously.

Swim for 30 Minutes or More

Too many people think they can get away with a quick 15-minute workout and see instant results. It takes at least 30 minutes of exercise, even in the pool, to get real results that stick. It’s not ideal to overdo it with an hour or more of swimming, but 30 to 45 minutes is a great session to shoot for when in the pool.

Stretch Once You’re Finished

Just because a swimmer stretched at the start of their water workout doesn't mean they don’t also have to at the end of it. Stretching should follow a cool-down lap after swimming to help the body recover faster. Another slow lap around the pool followed by some stretches will help the body cool down easily.

Swimming can easily help people get into shape as long as they know what they’re doing. Tone the body, build muscle, lose weight, and more when swimming regularly. Anyone who suffers from an injury can visit The Joint Chiropractic to seek some pain relief. The doctor may be able to help find the problem and get it corrected so the tension in the area is eased before the next swim time.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Mission, Tex.

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