|
 |
|
|
|
Swimming can be an extremely effective cardiovascular and muscle building workout.
The reason swimming is such as great weight loss workout is because it targets nearly every major muscle group in the body, including the abdominal muscles, the legs and buttocks, and especially the arms and chest.
Also, swimming promotes excellent cardiovascular and circulatory health. |
|
Swimming is an Excellent Weight Loss ExerciseSwimming is an excellent exercise for those with a previous injury or for women who are pregnant because it does not compound the muscles or joints and does not add stress to the body. Getting into a swimming pool is usually part of a great deal of physical therapy programs, so it can be an excellent way to rehab an injured knee or a sore muscle.
With that in mind, you may consider how you can get started with swimming instruction. Most cities have a local pool that offers swimming lessons for swimmers of all ages and ability levels. You may also want to look into programs at a local gym that you already belong to. Although some gyms do not have a swimming pool, they may offer a discount rate at a nearby facility.
If you have already had previous swimming instruction then you can just jump right in and get started. Most local swimming pools and workout centers have lap swim hours. This is a time set aside where you can go into the pool and have your own lane to workout in. A lap swim workout is excellent for increasing the heart rate and raising the metabolism, which will benefit both your health and weight loss.
Of course, in order to fully capitalize on a swimming weight loss program, a swimmer needs to use proper technique. This will ensure that you receive the most cardiovascular workout from your exercise. The most important aspect of swimming technique is actually breathing. Proper breathing must be maintained in ever stroke to obtain the desired weight loss effects of swimming.
Depending on the style of swimming, stroke is extremely important as well. You may want to consider the parts of the body that you want to strengthen the most, and then determine exactly what style of swimming you want to practice. A freestyle swim focuses on working the upper back and triceps, while a breast stroke will work on the shoulders and inner thighs.
No matter what swimming technique is used, you will be receiving an excellent cardiovascular and muscle building workout. Remember that you will need to swim at least 500 meters 3-4 times a week to experience weight loss results from a swimming workout. Once you have become comfortable with this distance, you may want to increase your lap swim workout to between 600-800 meters in the pool 3-4 times a week.
If you are unfamiliar with swimming terms, these will usually be taught to you in a swimming class. Just to refresh your memory, an Olympic sized pool is 50 meters long. Depending on the swimming pool you will be using, you may need to increase your laps to reach your equivalent of 500 meters or more. Be sure to ask someone at the pool before beginning your workout so you won’t be cheating yourself!
|
|
