Swimming with proper technique is not just for the Olympian. Granted, paying attention to stroke mechanics adds speed and saves energy for the competitive athlete. Yet so much more is gained when strokes are executed correctly. Repeated strokes...
A good swimming technique allows you to gain the maximum amount of speed while conserving the most energy. This is especially important when swimming competitively. Maintaining the correct form and breathing style are two of the most important...
With four Olympic gold medals, five silver medals and over 40 medals in other international competitions, Alexander Popov is one of the most successful swimmers of all time. Part of his success is due to mastering a smooth and fluid technique that...
The front crawl stroke, often referred to as the freestyle stroke, is the fastest stroke of the four used in competitive swimming. The front crawl was first used in Europe in 1844 by swimmers from South America against their British counterparts...
The front crawl, also known as the Australian crawl or freestyle, is popular among recreational swimmers, racers and endurance swimmers. Lifeguards and other water rescue personnel are required to swim the front crawl over long distances to...
Crossover kicking primarily is used by long-distance swimmers. It is designed to help you keep your rhythm as opposed to propelling you through the water. Sprinters use a flutter kick, usually with four to six beats per stroke cycle -- an...
Swimming is a great cardiovascular activity that works your entire body without putting stress on the joints. While most anyone can hop in the water and start swimming, focusing on technique will make your swims more enjoyable and efficient. Swim...
The front crawl is the swimming technique typically used during the freestyle event in the Olympics. The Federation Internationale de Natation is the organization that sets the standards and rules for swimming in the Olympics and other swimming...
In swimming, you must slow down to speed up. The fastest swimmers' arm cadence is actually slower than that of average swimmers. "In general the fastest, most aesthetically pleasing swimmers take the fewest strokes per length and the slowest,...
Swimming techniques vary depending on the type of stroke you're swimming. The four primary swimming strokes are freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly. While some of these strokes share similarities, they can be optimized through a...
Plunging into a pool or a lake for a quick underwater swim might seem like pure torture for some people. But for others, it provides a sense of peace and tranquility as they maneuver through the near-weightless environment. Whether you are a...
Learning to swim is an easier process if you use variety of techniques and pick up the basic crawl stroke in parts. Rather than trying to learn the whole stroke at once, practice floating, kicking, breathing and arm strokes one at a time. When...
Long distance swimming is an endurance activity that commonly includes distances of 5, 10 or 25 km open water competitions. With the specific challenges of the endurance event in open water, your swimming techniques and training must meet those...
The backstroke is a fundamental swimming stroke that should be part of every good swimmer's repertoire. Swimming backstroke can be relaxing and is less strenuous than other strokes, such as freestyle and butterfly, given that your head is never...
Backstroke lets you work out while looking up at the world, rather than the bottom of the pool. The only of the four competitive strokes you swim on your back, backstroke allows you to breathe at will. Backstroke races also are the only ones you...
During a swimming sprint, your stroke, body position and breathing must come together immediately, since the race only lasts for a matter of seconds. Sprinting has an entirely different strategy than an endurance race, as you do not have to worry...
In 1844, Europeans witnessed the trouncing of British breaststroker Harold Kenworth by an American Indian named Flying Gull, who completed the 39.6 m distance in 30 seconds. The Times of London described Flying Gull's stroke as "un-European," and...
Front crawl or freestyle is the fastest of the four competitive swimming strokes. Performed correctly, it also is the most efficient. Because you can swim front crawl longer, with less energy expended, it is the stroke of choice for distances and...
Swimming engages your entire body and also helps build a healthy cardiovascular system. While it's a good workout to tone throughout, you can use different parts of each stroke to tone specific body parts. Remember to cross-train when swimming...
Swimming provides a low-impact, non-weight-bearing aerobic workout that allows you to exercise your upper body, lower body and core muscles. Beginners often find the freestyle and the breaststroke easier to learn than other competitive swimming...
Swimming can be a challenging sport, both mentally and physically. The Alexander Technique is a method of releasing tension and stress from your body. Steven Shaw, a former competitive swimmer, was trained in the Alexander Technique and developed...
Swimming breaststroke can feel like swimming uphill. You burn the same number of calories swimming energy-intensive breaststroke as freestyle even though you don't move as fast. Breaststroke provides an efficient workout for your entire body, and...
Whether you are a triathlete or swim casually for fitness, total immersion swimming can help you reach your goals faster. Total immersion swimming focuses on decreasing your number of strokes, finding your balance in the water and making your...
No matter what type of triathlon you are competing in, you will swim first, then jump on a bike and finish the event by running. One of the primary objectives when swimming is to save as much energy as possible because you still have two legs of...
Swimming drills help you improve specific elements of your swimming by making you focus on them. Moving fast and efficiently through the water depends on good stroke mechanics. Just moving your arms and legs faster tires you out, and increases...
Swimmers perform the flutter kick in three scenarios in the water: backstroke, freestyle and treading water. The technique for the flutter kick remains the same, regardless of whether you're swimming on your front, your back or treading vertically...
Learning how to breathe while you swim takes time, and building confidence in the water is an important first step to breathing efficiently. Because the pressure of water pushes in on your chest slightly, you might react to the claustrophobic...
Throughout military training, individuals are often administered a series of swim tests, focusing on endurance, underwater swimming and diving. While these tests are more extensive for Navy Seals, divers and Coast Guard applicants, you need to be...
The swimming leg of the triathlon spooks many contestants. If you are swimming in the ocean, you might lose your way or find yourself in a riptide. If you're swimming in a lake, the wind might create a chop higher than your head. Your wetsuit...
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