Swimming is a workout everyone can benefit from regardless of your status as a seasoned athlete or just a fitness rookie looking for a new way to fit. Swimming workout presents a great option, it is also a awesome way to workout and get moving despite any number of disabilities or a previous injury that you had. These are some great swimming exercises for each skill level.
The Beginner
As with case of running, swimming is a sport that one can into relatively cheaply. In order to get started with swimming, all you do need is a place with a swimming pool to swim in, a swimsuit, a pair of swim goggles and a cap. You can optionally go for additional that would enhance your swimming experience such as a kick-board. The kick-board can be used for a wide range of swimming drills. As a beginner do start with a warm up, consisting of some freestyle swimming and then progress into sprint laps. Depending on your fitness level or swimming ability, you will also need to take rests in-between laps.
The Intermediate
For the intermediate swimmer that has been swimming for a while, then you probably have not only built-up a good amount of swim stamina, but you may have learned quite a few swimming techniques. For a swimmer in this position, adding couple of different strokes into your swimming laps would be a good way to progress. Start with a freestyle warm-up and then progress into laps that alternate between slow and faster-paced swimming. Good strokes to include are the backstroke, butterfly stroke, and breaststroke.
The Advanced
The advanced guide is for the person who is a seasoned swimmer. As a seasoned swimmer, you may be looking for how to improve your cardio or your ratio in terms of the distance covered per stroke, using this advanced swim workout will be a step towards your desired progress. If you have your own a kick-board, you can use it in this workout along with paddles and fins, and a buoy. This will allow you to hone in on some of the elements of your stroke.
You could want to work on your body roll, your kicks, or your pull. All of these things can be addressed as you work on an advanced routine that works best for you. Start out with a good warm-up and include freestyle strokes, use the kick-board, try pull strokes with the paddles and buoy, then rest. From there, you can add in sprints, slow swim, and any other strokes that you feel comfortable with.
Whether you have a swimming pool at your home, you are visiting the local lake or beach, or if you are hitting the gym or local community pool, there is no excuse not to take advantage of all of the benefits that come along with swimming. The sport of swimming helps to improve cardiovascular health, improves muscle strength, and serves as a wonderful way to get back into shape after an injury or while recovering from an illness or surgical procedure after doctor approval. It is all about finding the right swimming workouts that suit your needs and ability best.
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