Why You Should Add Swimming to Your Training Routine
While triathletes do their fair share of multi-sport training through cycling, running, and swimming, the idea of cross-training might seem like a burden to those focused on one element of a sport. However, incorporating different activities into training, such as swimming, can actually be immensely valuable for increasing your overall level of fitness and decreasing fatigue.
Swimming is a low stress activity that allows for both the muscular and cardiovascular systems to engage without added pressure on the joints. It can be used for an added cross-training workout, which can challenge different muscles than those used during running, lifting, cycling or high intensity workouts. Additionally, swimming can be used for active recovery to reduce lactate, decrease soreness, and improve overall performance moving forward.
Even CrossFit athletes are encouraged to jump in the pool, as every year of the CrossFit Games has included a swimming element. Not to mention, cross country skiers have been urged to take the plunge to take stress off joints and build their aerobic capacity, especially during the off season.
So, What Kind of Swimming Workout Should You Do?
Ask your coach for some simple swim workouts that are catered to your fitness goals and level, or dive into some workouts such as the following:
- 2 x 50 yards warm-up
- 4 x 25 yards counting strokes per length (maintain even strokes)
- 4 x 50 yards resting 30 seconds between each lap (try maintain the same split on each lap)
- 2 x 50 yards cool-down (swim slowly and relaxed)
Recovery Swimming for Measurable Benefits
Next time you are feeling a bit beat up post-workout, consider a recovery swim at your local pool, paired with some one-on-one time with the Marc Pro. Active recovery has been noted as the most efficient way to clear blood lactate, and with the best active recovery methods in tow, you can ensure that you are recovering to the fullest. And if you need some tunes to make the time go by, try listening to music underwater with a device such as the FINIS Duo.
Next week in our Marc Pro Blog, we will share more about our newest Marc Pro Ambassador and elite swimmer, Bryan Mineo, who will offer tips on how to best incorporate swimming into your training, including offering some workouts, gear tips, and what he thinks about while tearing through countless laps in the pool.