How to Use Swimming to Get into Shape

By Brandi Swieter 

Swimming is great for the body, but many people don’t realize just how they should utilize the activity to their advantage. Just getting in the water and swimming around aimlessly for 10 or 15 minutes won’t do all that much good in terms of improving physical activity and promoting fitness. There are specific ways to use swimming to get into shape that will help make the most of this workout option.

Get in At Least 30 Minutes of Swim Time

A quick 15 minutes in the pool isn’t enough to get a good workout and burn a whole lot of calories. Swimmers should be completing at least 30 minutes of swim time, three days a week, to truly see results. That 30 minutes can also include a couple of five-minute breaks, but stretching before and after should not be included in the timeframe.

Start With a Warm-Up and End With a Cooldown

Too many people want to jump right into their workout. This practice is very bad for the body and can quickly lead to muscle fatigue and injury. Even before recreational swimming, warming up with some stretches is necessary. Stretch out the shoulders since they get used repetitively during swimming. Also be sure to stretch the lower half of the body, focusing on the glutes, hamstrings, and quads that are used for power while kicking. End the water workout with a cooldown lap and some more stretches to recover quickly.

Change Up the Swim Style

People looking to work out by swimming shouldn’t stick with just one swim style, such as the backstroke, the entire time. Instead, it’s important to change it up so different areas of the body get targeted each time. Do an easy lap around the pool, then try for a fast round. Backstroke from one end to the other, and follow it with a freestyle. Try the breaststroke for a lap and another freestyle afterward. The change-up will do a lot of good for the muscles and conditioning the body.

Swim more often to get into shape. By following these tips, more and more people can use the activity to tone their bodies, build muscles, and lose weight. Anyone who suffers a swimmer’s injury after a regular swimming session should seek the assistance of The Joint Chiropractic to pinpoint the problem and try to alleviate their pain.

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

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