Learn About Various Types of Swimming and Their Health Benefits

Swimming is a highly invigorating exercise that appeals to those who enjoy being in the water. For individuals who are hesitant around water or have not yet learned to swim, there is a world of benefits waiting to be explored.

It serves as an aerobic activity that engages both the cardiovascular system and muscles, leading to the rapid burning of calories. The advantages of swimming extend to improving nervous health and promoting a strong circulatory system. Although there exist numerous swimming techniques, let’s delve into the Top 10 Types of Swimming and Their Fitness Advantages.

1. Freestyle

Freestyle, as the name implies, allows swimmers to choose any stroke they prefer. The most popular form is the front crawl, which is easy to master, especially for beginners. Swimming freestyle can burn around 700 calories with a moderate pace.

2. Backstroke

The backstroke involves swimming while lying on your back, engaging the shoulders, arms, thighs, and lower back. This style can help burn up to 500 calories.

3. Breaststroke

In the breaststroke, emphasis is placed on the chest while the lower body remains relatively still. This stroke can burn up to 800 calories per hour, providing an intense workout for the upper body, including the triceps, shoulders, chest, arms, and legs.

4. Butterfly

The butterfly stroke involves simultaneous movements of the hands in a back-and-forth motion. It offers a challenging workout focusing on flexibility and strengthening the arms, chest, and abdomen. This style is considered one of the most demanding and can burn up to 900 calories.

5. Dog Paddle

The dog paddle mimics the swimming motion of dogs, with alternating strokes of the arms and legs while keeping the head and chest above water. It is a leisurely stroke and burns around 200 to 300 calories at a moderate pace.

6. Sidestroke

The sidestroke involves swimming on either side of the body, making it a relaxing and steady long-distance technique that reduces strain on the knees, back, and legs.

7. Streamline

The streamline technique is commonly used in races to provide a swift launch, requiring intense leg and upper body stretching. It minimizes resistance, allowing for smooth gliding underwater.

8. Flutter Kick

The flutter kick is a straightforward stroke similar to the breaststroke, incorporating dolphin kicks. It places considerable strain on the thigh muscles, so it should be performed cautiously to prevent injuries.

9. Trudgen Crawl

The trudgen crawl resembles the front crawl but utilizes a scissor kick. This style enhances back strength and calf muscles.

10. Underwater Swimming

Underwater swimming can significantly boost lung capacity and nerve control, but it should only be attempted by proficient swimmers to prevent accidents. This technique often involves the trudgen crawl.

With a wide array of swimming styles at your disposal, dive into the rejuvenating benefits of swimming this summer!