Experts agree that swimming is an outstanding activity that is filled with multiple health benefits. Despite these advantages, few people opt to swim on a regular basis. Many simply cannot tolerate the monotony of swimming back and forth in a pool. Ugh. The mere thought makes them cringe. Is it possible to enhance a swimming routine so that more health conscious individuals can enjoy it? Yes. Create a plan of action that provides variety to your aquatic workouts.
Follow these 7 tips and swimming will soon become a welcomed addition to your weekly exercise agenda.
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Music
Do you enjoy listening to music while you exercise? Consider purchasing a waterproof Ipod or MP3 container. This apparatus will allow you to listen to music while you swim. Lively music will enhance your pace and keep you focused on pleasurable melodies.
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Breathing
Rotate your breathing pattern. Instead of breathing after every stroke, create different patterns. Breathe after every 2, 3, 4 or more strokes. When swimming the front crawl consider alternating breathing sides. Once again, the number of strokes can be altered.
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Rotate and Count Strokes
Avoid doing the same stroke for a long period of time. Decide ahead of time, how many lengths you will do of the breast stroke, front crawl, backstroke, etc. Alternate strokes on odd or even laps and then create different combinations.
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Focus on Arms and Legs Separately
Add a kickboard and focus just on your legs for part of the time. Don’t forget to flip to your back so that your legs get a full workout. Use a buoy or Hydrofit cuffs in order to concentrate on the upper body. Using just your arms can enhance your upper body strength.
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Intensity
Incorporate different levels of power. Depending upon your swimming proficiency, swim as fast as you can for 1, 2, 3 or more laps. Then slow your pace for the same number of laps. Follow a nearby clock to see how long it takes to get from one side of the pool to the other. Keep track of the time for each stroke and see if you can improve your speed from week to week.
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Variety
Extend your time in the water by adding aquatic exercise and treading in deep water. Adding aquatic exercises to a swimming routine will give a full body workout. It will also help to reduce the monotony of just swimming laps.
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Sculling
Unless you have a background in synchronized swimming, few will know how to scull. This movement can be challenging, but will definitely increase arm strength. While floating on your back place your hands at your side. Cup your hands and move them in figure eights. Your body will move headfirst. To increase the difficulty, draw your knees to your chest. Another version is overhead sculling. This time your body will lead with your feet. Arch your back slightly and point your toes. Move your hands in the shape of figure eights above your head.
Would you go to the gym without an exercise plan? This mindset should be followed when heading off to the pool. Create an aquatic plan that provides variety and imbedded challenges. Following the 7 tips will go a long way towards minimizing boredom while swimming.
Have fun and enjoy the benefits.
About the author
Sandra Bornstein, an international educator and writer, has taught K-12 students in the United States and abroad as well as college level courses at the University of Colorado and Front Range Community College. Sandra holds two masters’ degrees- one in Education from the University of Colorado and another in Jewish Studies from Spertus College.In 2010, her husband’s international job created a unique opportunity to live abroad. In India, she fulfilled three passions – a desire to travel, a zeal for writing, and a love of teaching. Sandra’s Indian adventure became the backdrop for her award-winning book, May This Be The Best Year Of Your Life: A Memoir.
Check out her website and author Facebook page.
