Benefits of Swimming

As a cross training activity, the benefits of swimming probably outweigh all other cross training programs - particularly for runners.

Swimming is a zero impact activity. This is especially beneficial for injured runners. When I was recuperating from knee injuries 20 years ago I swam. I had no expectation of running again at that point, so I was pretty serious about learning how to swim efficiently. That dedication to really learning how to swim paid off.

Serious swimming workouts build extraordinary fitness. Just look at the training regimen of your local swim team. Aerobic capacity is one of the many benefits of swimming.

Swimming fitness is accessible to most people at a reasonable cost. 50 meter pools are common and perfect for lane swimming, and 25 meter pools are quite adequate and even more available.

Like indoor rowing, swimming is a full body exercise.

Swimming Workouts

Work in other strokes you don't know well into your routine. You'll prevent overuse injuries. The crawl is a good upper body strength stroke, the butterfly works the chest and shoulders, and the hamstring will get a good workout with the backstroke.

Learn by looking. Observe how competitive swimmers breath, use their arms and use their legs.Pool Running

Pool Running

Runners wear a partial flotation belt which keep them upright in the pool while they "run" in the water. Pool running is a good way to recover from stress fractures, shin splints, and other leg injuries caused by the impact sports. Because pool running works the legs you will maintain cardiovascular fitness and leg strength during your recovery.

Swimming Tips and Gear

Investing in a good pair of goggles makes sense - they have less tendency to leak and they last a long time.

The same goes for swim suits: better quality suites look better and last longer.

The other key component for swimmers is a good pool. Most cities have a number of 25 and 50 meter pools. The 50 meter Olympic length pools are perfect for lane swimming, and the longer pools will have specific times set aside each day for lap swimmers. Many fitness centers have 25 meter pools.

Swimming Laps at Home

No, this isn't a pool shaped like a bowling lane, 50 meters long and 3 meters wide. Endless Pools Swimming Machines supplies compact lap pools world wide: the United States, Canada, U.K. and Europe, Asia and even to cruise ship lines! These "pools", some not much bigger than a billiards table, supply a smooth current that matches the swimmers velocity. The swimmer never runs out of pool!

This isn't as crazy (or expensive) as it seems. It makes a lot more sense than sinking your money into a too-small personal pool. The cost of heating outdoor pools is getting exorbitant, and it's the rare person who can afford even a "short" 25 meter indoor pool. For not too much more than a fancy hot-tub you can make a lasting investment in home based fitness.

Long term Benefits of Swimming

Yes, there's a learning curve to really enjoy the benefits of swimming, but learning to enjoy swimming may be your best exercise investment over the long run!