Swimming Techniques

Since Michael Phelps took to the Olympic diving block in 2004, competitive swimming has become a popular sport in the U.S.  Although the majority of us may not be able to swim from one short-end of the pool to the other in 20 seconds like Phelps can, many children, adolescents, and adults are seeking the competitive nature of swim in their community teams. Often times, young and old swimmers practice two hours a day, five days a week just to compete twice a month against other teams in their regional leagues. 


The pool environment during a competition builds up for an exciting day for both the swimmers and the families! But before you decide to jump in and join a team, it is important to know the four basic swim strokes. Below are videos of each stroke. Click on them so you can learn how to perfect your technique!

1.    Freestyle Stroke: The Freestyle Stroke is the fastest and most popular swim style. 

                                       

2.     Back Stroke: The Back Stroke is the upside down version of freestyle.

3.     Butterfly Stroke: The Butterfly Stroke is the most difficult style to swim since it requires a tremendous amount of upper body strength. 

4.    Breast Stroke: The Breast Stroke is the most popular recreational style due to its stability and the ability to keep your head out of the water longer.

Benefits of swimming

Swimmers often practice several hours a day in order to maintain a healthy heart and increase their physical endurance.(Photo by: Matthew Cutaia)

Since the start of the 20th century, swimming has been a popular activity to participate in amongst all age groups. According to MedicineNet.com, swimming is currently the second most popular exercise activity in the United States with more than 360 million visits to recreation centers, swim clubs and recreational water venues. Five physiological benefits are provided below from MedicieNet.com in order to understand why millions of people resort to swimming as a form of exercise.

Benefits:

1.    Low impact

Swimming, unlike many other sports, has no ground impact, which protects the joints from stress and strain. Arthritis patients use swimming and water aerobics as a form of exercise since often times “ground sports” can further damage their bones.

2.     Burns calories

    Swimming can burn around 500-650 calories per hour, depending how efficient the swimmer is.

3.     Builds muscle mass

    Certain swimming techniques help build muscle like the butterfly stroke. Most aquatic strokes however, do very little to produce muscle growth, stated the Harvard Medical School.

4.     Builds cardiovascular health

The Harvard Medical School reports that swimming works out the heart and lungs. “This trains the body to use oxygen more efficiently, which is generally reflected in declines in the resting heart rate and breathing rate,” stated the article.

5.     Alternative when injured

Athletes are often required to swim in order to stay in shape and help the rehabilitation process. According to MedicineNet.com, swimming promotes rehabilitation by making the muscles work hard without the high impact experienced on land.

Welcome!

Jaime A. Varela is a student double majoring in journalism and communication studies at California State University, Long Beach. As a child, Jaime swam competitively for five years at the Bellflower Aquatic Center in Bellflower, CA. He also swam for Downey High School in Downey, CA for four years. During the summer, Jaime would compete in open water swimming in Seal Beach, CA. His nine years of  experience has inspired him to inform people in the Southern California area about the importance of swimming.