The Basics of Swimming

Once you are ready to get into the water, you have overcome the first hurdle. It is important to feel comfortable to begin your new adventure. The next step is to figure out how to utilize the activity to have the optimum effect. Any movement you do in the water will be a good start for exercise.

However, if you are not sure what you are doing, you may end up frustrating yourself and giving up. Therefore, it is important to begin by learning some of the basic strokes, as well as proper breathing.

Freestyle

Also known as the front crawl, freestyle is an unregulated swimming technique also used in competition. However, this term actually encompasses a variety of techniques, including the side stroke. To perform this stroke, the swimmer is facing down and forward in the water.

The kick is done with the knees staying nearly together and the feet kicking just below the edge of the water. The arms and moved in a windmill position at the sides moving over and behind the head, cupping the water as they enter. Fingers are pointed forward and angled to avoid splashing the water as they enter.

Breathing can be more difficult in this stroke, as it is performed face down. Breathe out through the nose while under water and turn the body and head slightly to the side to breathe in through the mouth as the arm extends from the downward position at the side to back over the shoulder.

Breaststroke

This is the swimming style in which the swimmer is on their chest and their torso stays forward. Though it is often taught to beginners, it is one of the strictest strokes in competition and also one of the slowest. Lean on the chest, with the arms only breaking the surface of the water, hands nearly together with the palms facing into each other.

Once extended, bring the hands back in a half circle to the shoulders and then extend them out again, cutting the water with your tight fingers. The feet begin positioned together and kick out in a frog-like manner, also in a half circle. Once extended, bring the legs back together and pull them forward so that your feel meet at your hips.

Take a breath as you propel your body and head forward and out of the water. Once you take your breath, face your head back down to the water.

Backstroke

While doing the backstroke, the arms are doing most of the work to propel you forward. Arms alternate so that one arm is always under water while the other arm is in recovery. From the initial position at your sides, one arm extends up in front of the head with the palm facing in. With the arm extended, rotate the palm out as you reach the front of the face. Pull the arm back to the shoulder above the head, still extended and cup the water as you enter. Once this arm is back in the starting position, repeat with the next.

The best way to learn is through practice. Get help from a more experienced swimmer. Learning through proper practice will help your muscles remember the exercise. At BOOTCAMP 619 and CROSSFIT 619, we encourage all of our members to be well-rounded athletes and try a variety of the different sports and exercise activities we have to offer.