By Selene Yeager
Prevention
There's no kinder, gentler place to work out than in the gravity-defying embrace of a pool of water. Swimming is easy on your joints, burns tons of calories, and makes you feel like a kid on summer vacation, all while giving you grown-up fitness and muscle tone.
Water is about 12 times as dense as air, so each stroke and kick through it is a mini strength-training exercise. When you swim, every muscle in your body is called into action as you push against the water's resistance. What's more, regular swimming can make you more flexible, something active women struggle with as they get older. Since you weigh only 10 to 15 percent of your land weight in the water, your arms and legs feel lighter and your range of motion increases as you move. Swimming also lengthens your body to its fullest potential, strengthening and stretching otherwise tight, shortened muscles.
The old myth that swimming doesn't burn off fat because your heart doesn't work as hard and your body hangs on to your excess "insulation" in the cool water is just that—a myth. True, your working heart rate can be reduced by as many as 17 beats—or by 10 to 15 percent of your normal working rate on land. But that's because the force of the water actually assists your circulation in helping your heart do its job, and your body temperature is lower in the water, which automatically lowers your heart rate.But that doesn't mean you're not getting a workout. Your lungs actually work harder against the pressure of the water, and your muscles put in overtime keeping you afloat. As a result, you're burning as many calories and conditioning your heart just as well as you would if you were doing most dry land exercises. Your lungs are getting an even better workout.
Swimming is the best way to boost a sagging butt. You see those tight buns in the tank suits of pro swimmers because every kick is powered by the glutes; every lap firms and lifts those muscles. Keep up this butt-building and fat-burning exercise, and you just might find yourself breaking out that thong...at least for private viewings!
* Excerpted from Perfectly Fit by Selene Yeager (Rodale Inc., 2001).
Getting Started
The first thing you need is a place to swim. For most women, the easiest solution is the local YWCA. For a minimal membership fee, most health clubs will allow you access to their pools. And general lap-swimming times are plentiful.
You'll also need a suit. This is the point where many women say, "Thanks, but no thanks." Relax; we're not talking about a flesh-flashing, butt-baring bikini. We're talking about an athletic, supportive swimsuit. You can even find boy-cut styles that look like shorts. Still feeling body-conscious? One trip to the pool will cure you. You won't see a bunch of bathing beauties; you'll see adult women who look just like you, who are there to get in some laps and get on with their lives.
In addition to a swimsuit, you'll need some other accessories, including:
Goggles
Because they're cheap and they save your eyes from the irritating effects of chlorine, swimming goggles are a must. You'll also see better while you're doing your laps.
Swim Cap
Although it's not a necessity (though some public pools request it), a swimming cap is a definite nicety. If your hair is long, a cap will keep it from tangling. No matter what the length, it'll protect your tresses from the chemicals in the water, which can dry or discolor hair. It's a good idea to look for a silicone cap. It won't pull your hair like a plain rubber one would.
The Usuals
Don't forget a towel for drying off and a water bottle for keeping yourself hydrated (yes, you can get dehydrated in the water).
If swimming becomes your sport, aim to get to the pool at least 3 days a week. Beginners should try to swim 4 to 6 laps in a 25-yard pool. More experienced swimmers can float into the 8- to 10-lap range. And the female fishes in the crowd can shoot for 20 laps.
Tips and Techniques
Swimming used to be the sport that kept me out of triathlons because I sank like a stone and struggled just to stay afloat. One day, I got a few pointers from a pro, and my life has never been the same. By using the right technique, you'll go faster, feel lighter, swim more efficiently, and have more fun.
Roll Like an Otter
The more efficient your stroke, the longer you'll be able to swim. The secret is reducing your number of strokes while making maximum progress with every pull. Learn from the aquatic animals, and roll through the water. Contrary to appearances, swimming is not about twirling your arms and kicking your legs as fast and hard as you can. In reality, your power comes from your hips. As you move through the water, instead of just turning your head for air, roll your whole body, keeping your head in line with your spine, so that your mouth comes out of the water. Breathe, then roll back to the other side with the next stroke.
Streamline Yourself
Your head should be mostly down, with the top of your forehead leading the way. This position helps keep your hips up and is less fatiguing to your neck than holding your head high and looking ahead.
Stay to the Right
If you swim during prime hours, like morning and evening, there's a good chance that you'll have to share a lane with other people. Swim on the right-hand side of the lane, just like you would drive. If someone behind you is swimming faster and making you nervous, stop at the end of the lane and let her through.
Rinse Before and After
Pool chemicals can leave your skin as dry as the Sahara. Avoid this irritation by rinsing off in the facility's shower right before you get in the pool and then soaping up with a moisturizing cleanser and applying a body lotion after you're done. If you're afraid that chlorine will turn your hair to straw, use a chlorine-removing shampoo such as Nexxus Clarifying Shampoo after every swim.
Switch Strokes
Most swimmers do their laps freestyle, because that's the classic swimming stroke we learn as kids and it's the easiest to pick up. But you can work your muscles in new ways and improve your overall conditioning by playing around with a variety of strokes. Flip over and try the backstroke for a few laps. Learn the breaststroke or sidestroke. Your body will appreciate the new movements, and you'll be less likely to get bored.
Swimming Stats
Here's what you can expect from 30 minutes of a water workout.
Calories Burned
255 (based on a 140-pound woman)
Muscles Worked
Trapezius, rhomboids, pectorals, deltoids, glutes, and hip flexors
Psychological Benefits
Cutting through the water is sensual, stress relieving, and a welcome silencing of the usual workday noise.
I took this article from active.com
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