Motivation
Different Swimming Strokes and Their Benefits
Different Swimming Strokes and Their Benefits
Competitive swimmers race in a variety of different swimming strokes. The freestyle and butterfly races are some of the most highly anticipated events at the Olympics. But, you don't have to be a professional or competitive swimmer to enjoy the benefits of swimming. Learn about the benefits of different swimming strokes to help you decide how you want to do your laps in the pool.
1. Freestyle
Freestyle is probably the most well-known of the swimming strokes. Here is what you need to know about performing this stroke and its benefits:
Freestyle Stroke Technique
Freestyle is also known as the front crawl. When swimming this stroke, your body will be in a prone position on your stomach and face toward the water. Both your arms and legs will pull you through the water, while your torso remains stable. Your arms will move in an alternating fashion. One arm will arc up out of the water while the other is on the downswing, close to your torso in the water. Each arm will reenter the water at an angle, fingers held straight and together, to minimize resistance.
While your arms pull you forward through the water, your legs will be hard at work too. You will use the flutter kick to complete the freestyle stroke technique. The flutter kick is achieved by constantly moving your legs in a tight, scissor-like movement beneath the water. Your knees will bend slightly, but your legs will remain relatively parallel to the surface beneath you at all times. You can adjust the number of kicks per complete cycle of arm movement depending on how quickly you want to swim. Your legs are an important part of freestyle, but keep in mind that they provide just about 10 percent propulsion in the bodies of practiced swimmers.
Freestyle often looks intimidating to inexperienced swimmers because it requires you to put your face in the water. Once you get used to putting your face in the water, adding breathing to the freestyle cycles is relatively easy. As one arm swings up and out of the water, you simply turn your face to the side and take a breath. As the arm comes down, lower your face back into the water. Some swimmers alternate sides when it comes to breathing while others stick to one side.
Benefits of Freestyle Stroke
You can burn hundreds of calories with just a half an hour of swimming freestyle. What are the biggest benefits of this stroke?
Freestyle, favored by long-distance swimmers, is considered the most efficient stroke. Freestyle takes you farther than other strokes without expending more energy. If you like to set your swimming workouts to a lap count, this will help you reach your goal faster.
Freestyle also gives you a full body workout. It works the muscles in your arms, legs, core and back. If you are looking for a particular swimming stroke to tone your back muscles, freestyle is definitely the way to go.
While freestyle has multiple benefits, keep in mind that this stroke can be more difficult to master than other options, such as breaststroke.
2. Breaststroke
The best swimming stroke is a matter of opinion. If you are new to swimming, breaststroke might be the easiest place to start. Breakstroke is also a good option for anyone looking for a slower alternative to freestyle. Here is what you need to know about breaststroke technique and benefits:
Breaststroke Technique
Like freestyle, breaststroke involves separate movements for your arms and legs. Your body is in the same horizontal position as it is during freestyle, but you will use different motions to propel yourself through the water. Your arms will together at the same time in a half-circular motion underneath the water. Your arms, bent at the elbow, will sweep apart and then together again toward your chest, remaining underwater the entire time you swim this stroke.
As your arms move in this rhythm, your legs will be busily pushing you forward with a technique known as the whip kick or the frog kick. When executing this kick, your legs should be behind you approximately hip-distance apart. With your knees bent and your feet flexed, kick your legs apart and then sweep them together again to form one smooth line. Repeat this motion in concert with the arm movement. The optimal rhythm allows your arms to rest while you kick and vice versa.
The final piece of breaststroke is your breathing. It is possible to complete the arm and leg motions of this stroke with your head completely above water. If you want to add in the breathing technique to complete the stroke, you will duck your head beneath the water each cycle of the stroke. Use your shoulders to lift your head out of the water and take a breath. As your arms sweep forward in the water, all your shoulders to drop and take your head under the water once again.
Benefits of Breaststroke
If you are looking for swim stroke advantages, there is a lot to love with breaststroke. For every 30 minutes of swimming breaststroke, you will burn approximately 200 calories. Breastroke is considered the easiest stroke to learn, which means you can concentrate on the workout without worrying too much if you are getting your movements just right. Plus, if you aren't comfortable putting your face in the water, you can still swim this stroke.
Like all swim strokes, breaststroke works multiple different muscle groups. This swimming style is a particularly good option for working your chest muscles and your hamstrings. Your thigh muscles, core muscles and arm muscles will also benefit from breaststroke. Breastroke is also a great cardio workout.
Breaststroke is the slowest swimming stroke, which may be a con for people who prefer speed. Yet, this can be considered positive. Because it is so slow, breaststroke can be done for longer periods of time, serving as an endurance workout.
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3. Backstroke
Unlike with most other swimming strokes, your face will not be in the water during the backstroke. Instead, you will be on your back in the water, just as the name suggests. Here are some tips on perfecting your backstroke technique and reaping the benefits of this stroke:
Backstroke Technique
You can think of backstroke as almost the mirror image of freestyle. Instead of facing downward, you will face upward in the water. You will remain in this horizontal position, looking upward, as you move your arms and legs. Your arms will propel you forward with a windmill-like motion. One arm will come up out of the water and go overhead, while the other sweeps forward beneath you in the water. You will move by alternating this motion — one arm comes up and the other goes down. Keep your arms close to your ears as they come back down into the water. Additionally, you will want to keep your arms as straight as possible and your fingers close together to minimize resistance. Try to keep your hips from dropping into the water. Too much sag in your hips will slow your forward momentum.
As your arms pull you through the water, your legs will be using the same flutter kick performed during freestyle. Your legs will be slightly bent as you kick in a flurry of alternating motion. You can decide on the frequency of kicks depending on how fast you want to move.
The beauty of backstroke is that you only need to concentrate on your arm and leg movements. There is no breathing technique to worry about because your face is always above the water.
Benefits of Backstroke
Swimming backstroke will burn approximately 250 calories in 30 minutes. The pros and cons to swim strokes can often depend on what you are looking to get out of your time in the water. Backstroke offers plenty of benefits distinct from other strokes. For example, backstroke can help improve your posture since your muscles need to work to keep your back straight in the water. It can also help improve your hip flexibility. Just like other swimming strokes, it will also work your arm, leg and core muscles.
The position of your head is one small downside of backstroke to consider. Since your line of sight is directed upwards, rather than in front of you, some people feel slightly nervous not being able to see where they are going in the water. You can overcome this by counting how many strokes it takes to complete a lap.
4. Sidestroke
Sidestroke can be done on your own or with the help of a kickboard. You may be less familiar with this stroke because it is not used during competitive events. Here is a look at the technique and benefits of sidestroke:
Sidestroke Technique
Just like the name suggests, you will swim this stroke on your side. Begin by positioning your body on one side in the water. Stretch the arm beneath that side of your body forward in the water. The arm on top will rest on top of your horizontally positioned body. Rest your head on the arm stretched out straight in front of you. Your head will not move from this position the entire time you swim sidestroke. Since your face does not enter the water, you will not have to worry about your breathing technique.
Both of your arms will move during sidestroke. The arm stretched out in front of you is referred to as your lead arm. Your lead arm and the arm resting on the side of your body will both sweep downwards through the water, bent at the elbow. Your hands will come toward one another in front of your chest and then sweep upwards back to the straight, starting position.
During sidestroke, most of your forward momentum will come from your legs. You will move your legs using a scissor kick, which means your legs move back and forth beneath the water in an alternating motion. As you kick, your arms will move toward one another and then back to a straight position.
Benefits of Sidestroke
You can burn more than 200 calories swimming sidestroke for 30 minutes. While not a competitive stroke, sidestroke is often used by lifeguards to perform in-water rescues. So, knowing how to swim sidestroke can come in handy if you are ever in an emergency situation. You will use your arm and leg muscles to propel you forward, while you will work your core muscles to maintain a smooth, horizontal position in the water.
From purely an exercise standpoint, sidestroke allows you to keep your face out of the water while working multiple muscle groups.
5. Butterfly
Of all the different swimming strokes, the butterfly is probably the most challenging. Butterfly requires a great deal of strength and coordination that takes time to develop. Here is what you should know about this swimming stroke:
Butterfly Stroke Technique
The butterfly is named for the way a swimmer's arms move while swimming this stroke. Your arms arch up and out of the water together, looking like a pair of wings. Your body is in the same horizontal position as required by freestyle and breaststroke. You begin by placing your arms out in front of you, your thumbs facing down toward the water. Sweep your arms down and out with your elbows slightly bent. Your arms should form a Y-shape in front of your body. Pull your arms back through the water, parallel to your body. Next, you will pull them back up out of the water and begin the cycle again.
As your arms move through this cycle, your legs will be continuously moving using a technique known as dolphin kick. During dolphin kick, your legs remain zipped together in one smooth line. The legs move up and down together, pushing you forward in the water. The heels and soles of your feet will break the surface of the water as you kick upward. You will kick down as your arms reenter the water and sweep down.
The breathing technique for butterfly is similar to that of breaststroke. You will use your shoulder muscles to bob your head up out of the water and back down. You should come up to breathe as your arms are recovering and preparing to sweep back up again.
Benefits of Butterfly Stroke
The butterfly burns the most calories of any swimming stroke, approximately 450 calories for every 30 minutes of swimming. This stroke is an excellent option for combining core and upper body training. During this stroke, you challenge your core muscles to keep your body stable as your arms and legs move simultaneously. You also work your arm, chest and upper back muscles to raise both of your arms up out of the water and over your head. Your body's position during the butterfly also helps improve overall flexibility.
While a fantastic workout, the complicated movements that go into the butterfly can be a challenge to master. If you are looking for a challenge in the water, the butterfly is the way to go.
Get Swim Gear at Kiefer
Which swim stroke provides the best exercise? It depends on your goals and preferences. No matter how what stroke you use, you need the proper gear to get into the water. Shop Kiefer for suits, goggles and more.
How To Get Over A Bad Swimming Race
When you pour your heart, soul, and sweat into swimming, victories aren’t always sweet, and sometimes, losses are real sour. Looking at the big picture can be especially challenging to youngsters who are already holding themselves accountable for their performances.
Although stress seems to be occurring at younger ages, the joy and love of swimming should be the fuel of success - not the fear of disappointment.
As someone who has struggled (and still struggles) with this, here are a few tips that have helped me get over a bad swim race:
- Banish negative self-talk. Remind yourself how many races you’ve done, how many there are to come, and accept that they all won’t be amazing.
- Find the good. While going over your race with your coach, try to find a positive. Good turns, a good start, something.
- Learn from your mistakes, and improve. Was it your tempo? Did you fall off your stroke count? What do you need to focus on next time to reduce the chances of a repeat disappointment? Learn from your mistakes, and improve.
- Drop it. The race is done, you can’t change it. Move on and don’t let one swim affect the rest of your meet.
The truth is, the more you tear yourself down, the harder it is to build yourself back up. Love and fun fall off the side when your self-esteem takes constant hits. Eventually, fear will consume your confidence, and your swimming performance will suffer.
Always remember failures are merely speed bumps. A chance to improve when approached with the right attitude.
What helps you get over a bad race? Let us know in the comments below.
10 Habits of Elite Athletes
Being or becoming elite at anything is very much about hard work. Sometimes it is pre-destined by good genes and being self-possessed, but just because you have ability doesn’t mean you will automatically be successful. There are learned traits and actions that will help boost your abilities whether you have ‘the gift’ or not.
Here are 10 habits of elite athletes. Would you add anything to this list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
1. There is no part-time
You are 100% in or you are out. If you want to be the best you have to be that committed all the time. In all areas. You are aware of the work you have to put in, and the maintenance it will take to keep you there.
2. Self-confidence
Those who believe in themselves will generally outperform those that lack confidence. Combining talent, hard work, and self-confidence can be deadly in competition.
3. Embrace the grind
Love what you do. Relish in the fatigue a great workout brings. Admire your passion, encourage excellence, and move past just ‘good.’
4. Purpose
Goal setting is a great motivator and it fuels the drive. If you don’t have anything to work towards why are you working? Eventually that question will come back to bite you, so set goals for all occasions. A goal to achieve in practice, one for the week, the month, the season, the year and even years from now.
5. Integrity
You can’t be shaken. You’ve started something with your goals in mind and you will get there. Your commitment is part of your character and your resolve can’t be broken. Having a strong sense of personal integrity means that you honor not only your commitment to others, but to yourself first and foremost.
6. Work well with others
Be able to exist, work, and learn with your peers and your coaches. Being able to accept criticism and help is a huge part of growing and developing, not only as an athlete, but as a human being too.
7. Be a do’er
When you encounter problems, you solve them. When elite athletes find themselves backed into a corner, they find a way out. They are action-oriented, and excuses are not part of their dialog.
8. Power of positive
Elite athletes have an unshakeable ability to see the good in everything. Blame isn’t placed on the shoulders of others, nor is it placed on the surrounding environment. Being able to overcome and stay focused in non-optimal conditions is what being the best is all about.
9. Leadership
Stepping into a role of leadership may not seem like a necessity, but your team needs one. Your business needs one, your family needs one. Learning to be a good leader early on is invaluable. Those skills are not only an asset in the pool, but in life as well. It is valuable beyond monetary compensation.
10. Love
Your passion is your fuel. Find it, feed it, and watch it grow into something amazing. If it isn’t in the pool, look for it. When you find it your heart will blossom and you will flourish.
Time Is The Greatest Investment
Passion. You can be passionate about a great many things. Passion can lead to joy but passion oftentimes means emotional highs and lows.
Having children involved in sports will evoke many passions within you. Passion watching them find their own, watching them succeed and watching them fail. Strong emotions fuel passion.
It is almost effortless to get worked up over the money and time we as parents spend for these experiences. But I ask you, what are you really buying? Is it worth the cost?
YES. A million times yes.
By putting gas in the car to drive to meets and practices you have time with your children to bond. You are creating a deeper love and appreciation for each other. You’ve bought and paid for time and experience. The hotel you charged to attend an away meet is an investment not only in your child but in your relationship with them.
It’s easy to get caught up in gadgets, toys, and clothes. It’s equally easy to get caught up in bills and life expenses. Remember there is very little money better spent than on time and experiences. Don’t throw your budget out the window, but take a look at where your money goes.
Instead of loathing the commute to and from practice talk to your kids. Make it a device free time. We are so busy being busy, simple conversation has slipped away. Talk about school, talk about swimming, talk about what movie they want to go see, or a fun family activity you could do together the next time there isn’t a swim meet.
Don’t get down on yourself looking ahead to a three day swim meet. Remind yourself what you gain and what your children gain. Swim meets, while admittedly long and slow, are a chance to build character too. Learning sportsmanship and making new friends cannot be bought in a store.
There are some things worth spending money on. Sport and all that comes in tow is one of those things.
How to Motivate Yourself Before a Big Swim Meet
Competition is the time to reap the rewards of your hard work. The hours, early mornings and long afternoons bear fruit when it comes time to race. Your goals have been set, because without goals you have no direction. But races are short, most are less than two minutes, and sessions are long and sprawling. Staying motivated and being motivated are a huge factor in your success or failure.
The week prior to competition, set aside 10 to 20 minutes each day to visualize your race. Find a quiet spot, lie on your back, close your eyes and imagine all the steps you will be going through the moment you step to the block. Visualize success, athletic competition is not all physical. Being mentally prepared can make a lesser talented athlete smash a more talented one who isn’t mentally prepared.
Visit your goals, don’t let them consume you, but remind yourself what they are. Make this a separate exercise from visualization.
Listen to music that gets your heart thumping; watch a race that inspires you on YouTube. Get excited! This is what you have been waiting for. Don’t dread the opportunity to show off your hard work, relish in it. now get out there and race fast!
5 Ways Swimmers Self-Sabotage
Take a minute to browse these potential scenarios so you can check yourself before you wreck yourself at competitions.
1. Hydrate - You must stay hydrated. Being in the water often gives off the illusion of being cool and hydrated, but you are still using up reserves faster than the average person who is not swimming. You should be drinking at least one full water bottle every hour. You do not need sports drinks, however if you are anti-water and need something for taste, a 60/40 mix of water/sports drink is much more tolerable.
2. Focus - Don't bring video games, stay off your smart phone, etc. This is a sure fire way to miss your race or become consumed with something other than your performance. You've put in the hours, don't waste them away. Bring a deck of cards and talk or play with your teammates.
3. Warm up and warm down - Battle the stiffness and muscle fatigue by ensuring your muscles are warm pre-race and then take the time to cool down post-racing. If you don't warm up, you risk pulling muscles or just feeling like a stiff board. If you skip cool down you will likely feel your muscles start to tighten and become sore. Set yourself up for success and do the right things!
4. Consider the elements - Sunscreen and clothes to keep you covered in the hot sun is especially important. Imagine trying to swim at your peak with a severe sun burn. Burns also coincide with dehydrating! Pack warm clothes, especially a hat and warm shoes if it is chilly. The most heat escapes from your feet and your head when they are uncovered.
5. Check in with your coach pre and post race. Let them guide you with race strategy and let them help you evaluate after your race. Their eyes see things you do not. Take their experience and use it to your benefit.
Of course these are just a few suggestions to avoid "flopping" at your competitions. What kind of pitfalls have you experienced or witnessed? How would you avoid them?
Learn More About Competitive Swimming:
- Training for A Triathlon? Here’s the Gear and A Workout Plan to Help You Prepare!
- How to Train for Your First Triathlon
- Why Every Swimmer Needs A Finis Tempo Trainer
- My First Triathlon
- What To Pack In Your Swim Meet Bag
- Summer Swim Training: 5 Tips To Keep It Fresh!
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Swimmers
- Raising a Swimmer – Part II: 11-12 Years
Swimmer Quotes: 7 Inspirational Quotes From Olympic Swimmers
“The water is your friend…you don’t have to fight with water, just share the same spirit as the water, and it will help you move.”
-Alexander Popov (RUS) Gold medalist and former WR record holder in the 50 free
“Being your best is not so much about overcoming the barriers other people place in front of you as it is about overcoming the barriers we place in front of ourselves…But it does have everything to do with having the vision to dream, the courage to recover from adversity and the determination never to be shifted from your goal.
-Kieran Perkins (AUS) Gold medalist and former WR holder in the 1500 free, 800 free, 400 free
“I’m trying to do the best I can. I’m not concerned with tomorrow, but with what goes on today. If you fail to prepare, you’re prepared to fail.”
-Mark Spitz (USA) Winner of seven gold medals from the 1972 Olympics
“Have fun, because that’s what life is all about.”
-Ryan Lochte (USA) Gold medalist and WR holder in the 200 and 400 IM
“The things you learn from sports – setting goals, being part of a team, confidence – that’s invaluable. It’s not about trophies and ribbons. It’s about being on time for practice, accepting challenges…”
-Summer Sanders (USA) Four time gold medalist in the 1992 Olympics
“Without goals, training has no direction.”
-Natalie Coughlin (USA) Most decorated female swimmer of all time
“Sometimes we complain, but there is something beautiful about waking up before everyone to get better at what we love.”
-Missy Franklin (USA) Gold medalist and WR holder
The Benefits of Swimming: 5 Ways Swimming Improves Your Life
According to the U.S. department of Health and Human services, two and a half hours per week of aerobic physical activity (such as swimming) can significantly reduce the risk of chronic illness and disease.
In addition to disease prevention, the benefits of swimming are many. Whether you’re swimming for the first time or have been for your lifetime, here are five ways that swimming can improve the quality of your life:
1. Healthy, Strong Body
Swimming works, inside and out. Beginning with your heart. Much like running or biking swimming can be both aerobic and anaerobic. You can make it what you need or want in a workout. Aerobic training is more threshold, ie hold your heart rate in a zone and build strength and endurance. Anaerobic is more punishing, less oxygen more intensity and high levels of fatigue. Both have benefits. You can never fully isolate aerobic or anaerobic, you will always be training using both, but one will dominate more than the other depending on your training routine. Breathing becomes rhythmic and cyclical also training and increasing lung strength and capacity.
While you are increasing your cardiovascular and lung strength you are also building muscle and losing fat. Losing excess weight regardless of your chosen activity will always help promote healthy bones and joints, swimming can take this a step further. Swimming can help lengthen muscles as well. What does this do? If you take care of them before and after a training session by stretching you will reap the benefits of flexibility. It is a bigger deal than it sounds. Increased flexibility can ward off injuries as well as general wear and tear on joints.
2. Feel Better Emotionally
Endorphins! These joyful little chemical burst out from within spreading their happy all through your body. The benefits of endorphins are not unique to swimming, but their influence is often amplified from it. Scientific studies credit endorphins with improved self-esteem and feelings of euphoria. Endorphins are also associated with relieving stress and improving sleep if you commit to making the lifestyle choice to be active.
3. Peace of Mind
Let the water be your sky. The time you spend in the water is yours. There is little to no sound and the only person you have to think about is you. Allow it and turn off your brain for some recovery. Leave everything else at the door, you can pick it back up on your way out if you want it. Swimmers often excel at visualizing because of the time they spend in their own head. They are also more in tune with themselves because of the frequent self-talks they perform daily at the pool.
4. Increased Energy
Combo a good workout with the refreshing cool of a pool and the weightlessness achieved there and you are bound to feel good. Despite the common fall back of “I am too tired to work out,” completing a workout will often give you a boost that may even have the ability to completely turn around your day. No matter what time of day you choose to hit the water the effect can propel you through the remainder of your day.
5. Pain Alleviation
Take a load off. Really. If you suffer from pain during your workouts or in your day to day life try switching up your routine. Swimming is a no contact sport. Unlike running or weight lifting there is no impact on your joints. Likewise if you suffer from pain via tight muscles swimming can help you lengthen those muscles and relieve pressure. Swimming is only as hard as you make it. If you are rehabbing or trying to get back in shape you can build up your intensity as you overcome pain or drop weight. Swimming is one of the most adaptable fitness programs available and anyone can do it.
How has swimming improved your life? Leave a comment and let us know!
Learn More Swimming Tips:
- Bilateral Breathing For Swimmers
- Swimming Tips For Beginners: Basic Gear, Pool Etiquette, and Overcoming Inertia
- Swimming Technique: 3 Ways To Improve Speed (Butterfly Edition)
- Swimming Technique Part Two: 3 Ways To Improve Speed (Backstroke Edition)
- Swimming Technique Part Three: 3 Ways To Improve Speed (Breaststroke Edition)
- Lap Swimming Etiquette
- 10 Quick Tips for Swim Sighting
- 15 Meter Resurfacing Markers – The Underwater Swimming Rule
Swimming Mantra
Behind Every Mantra: Your Reason For Swimming
Why do you swim? Everyone has a reason; using that reason to amp up your motivation will help you develop your personal swimming mantra.
My Reason? Winning!
I wanted to win. Everything. I wanted to lead the lane at practice, I wanted to get my hand on the wall first every time.
However, a single mantra wouldn't suffice. I had several swimming mantras to complement different competitive situations.
Enter The Racing Mantra | Rabbit
Rabbit. Racing mantra. My college coach at the University of Arizona made me "rabbit." After several long talks, and many swim practices working on racing strategy, it was determined that I was most comfortable being the race leader. I liked to go out hard and lead from start to finish.
It did not always work for me (silly rabbit!). Especially racing a conference rival and future Olympian Kalyn Keller from USC. In season, at every meeting, I would lead and she would clobber me on the back half of the 500 free, my premier event.
My Negative Split Mantra | Push
Frank Busch and I spent the entire season working on negative splitting, the technique of progressively increasing pace, resulting in a faster back half than front half of any given swim. Huge challenge. Frustrating challenge. The training mantra developed here: Push.
It was mind numbing for me to restrain myself from letting go on the first half of practice swims during negative split training. I wanted to just Fly (yet another mantra). But with lots of hard work, tears, and some cursing I was finally prepared to challenge Kalyn.
My Mantras In Action
My swimming mantras aligned for my breakthrough race against Kalyn Keller at NCAA's in College Station, TX.
I began my race as the Rabbit and I did Fly. What was different? A surge of adrenaline and confidence, supported by countless hours of mental and physical conditioning aligned to Push me to the wall before my rivals.
I knew this field of athletes wouldn't be played by my going out fast strategy; my opponents had developed their own strategy to counter my race leading and reel me back in. They knew I would do it. I couldn't surprise anyone here with my speed. This time I had a new mantra to help me close out my race. And at the halfway point I was ready to go. I fired up my legs and and told my arms to push it. I still flew and I got my hand on the wall first. No one reeled in this rabbit, not this time. It was my first individual national title and I swam the last 25 with a huge grin on my face, knowing I had it in the bag.
Time hasn't changed me; I still hate to lose. I am still far too competitive for my own good. My mantra keywords still flash in my head when its time to go. While I may not be an all-star anymore, I still like to fly, push, and be a rabbit. I also like to just Go.
Other Uses for Mantras
Swim Workout Recovery And Relaxation
Mantras can also be used to relax. Using Loose or Breathe during swim workout cool downs and stretching phases can be very soothing and help positively affect muscle recovery and heart rate.
Mantras And Housework?
Of course mantras can be applied to many other aspects of life. During house cleaning and laundry, a mantra like Get It Done comes to mind!
What's Your Swimming Mantra?
Thanks for taking the time to read about mantras that have enhanced my swimming.
I'd love to hear from the athletes out there about what Mantras have helped you grow as an athlete and achieve your goals.
Until then, please save me a lane!