Swimming is a really great way to cross-train. It works your whole body yet due to its low-impact works well as a recovery workout. I use swimming as a low-key workout in between harder running workouts.
I consider myself a poor swimmer (and could really benefit from a lesson or two), so my strategy is generally to stick to the breaststroke (frog-stroke) and go very slowly. The breast stroke allows me to maintain easy, aerobic breathing yet still getting a decent upper-body workout in. When using swimming as an easy recovery and upper body workout, I go for a max of 20-30 minutes or so in one session.
If you’re new to swimming, get yourself a comfortable pair of shorts and a pair of goggles and just start easy. Whether you do breaststroke, freestyle, backstroke, or any other, start by trying to get a total of 10 minutes in and feel free to stop at any time to catch your breath or to grab a drink.
The general rule of thumb is that when two people need to share a lane is that each just swims back and forth in their own half-lane. When 3 or more people must share a lane, the general rule is that you swim in a counter-clockwise circle within the lane and pass on the left if need-be. Don’t hesitate to ask another swimmer or the lifeguard if you want to double check a particular pool’s rules.
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