Yes, we are at home. No everyone doesn’t like it, but hey…what can you do? The thing that many people don’t realize is that so much can be accomplished at home, even stuff you never thought possible!
Perfect your swim style at home
Did you know that you can totally learn how to perfect your swim style at home, you can improve upon your swim techniques while at home and you can even learn how to nourish your love for swimming while stuck at home? You can do all of these things!
The beauty of the technology age in which we live is that we have a world of opportunity available to us. All we have to do is turn on our computers and find the videos or lessons that we want. You can literally learn anything you want online, breaststroke and butterfly included!
Yoga for Swimmers
Stretching is amazing for any swimmer. Take the time to do yoga – especially the one designed specifically for swimmers.
Swim Inspired Exercise
There are countless exercises that you can do that can help you to improve your swim technique and improve your fitness so that you are in perfect swimming shape. It’s not all about being in the water, folks. There are plenty of exercises that can be done at home.
The fact is that swimming requires many of your body’s muscles to do successfully, so working on any of those muscles and body areas are going to be helpful for improving your swimming experience.
Abs and Core
As much focus as you put into your arm and leg movement, the reality is that the power that you expend while in the water comes from your core strength. That means that you need to get your abs and the rest of your core muscles in tip top shape for your best swimming performance.
Here are the best abs and core exercises to do in order to strengthen your swimming skills:
Supermans
Lie flat on your stomach, lift your legs, head and arms and stretch your arms out over your head. Once your head and arms are roughly 6 inches off the ground, pause for a moment and then slowly lower yourself down. Do 12 repetitions for 3 sets. This exercise will work your lower back quite well.
Side Crunches
Side crunches are an exercise that many of us overlook, but they are incredibly beneficial for improving your swimming skills. Side crunches are great when performed on a medicine ball. Do 3 sets of 12 to 15 repetitions for the best benefits.
Planks
If you aren’t already doing planks, you should be! Planks are one of the best full core exercises that you can do. If you are unfamiliar with planks, they are best described as push ups without the push up part. Keep your back straight and strong while holding yourself up with your arms and feet.
Flutter Kicks
Flutter kicks are great for working your lower abdomen and hip flexors. To do a flutter kick, you lift your legs roughly 6 inches off the ground, while pointing your toes and flutter kick (think freestyle kicking)
Shoulders
When you swim often, it is absolutely imperative to keep your shoulders strong and healthy. The following exercises not only have the ability to help you improve your swimming skills, but they can also help to prevent injuries.
Overhead Press
Grab a couple of light dumbells, hold them in your hands next to your head, then press those weights straight up with extended arms, lowering slowly. Do this for 12 repetitions for two sets.
Up-out-in-Downs
With light dumbbells, start with your arms at your side, lifting the dumbbells to shoulder height in front of your body. Spread your arms while keeping them at shoulder height, bringing them back in and lowering to your side. Do 2 sets of 10 repetitions.
Check out these Swim Inspired Exercises and follow along!
Worksheets and Activities
Once you are done with the physical workout, be sure and check out these awesome worksheets and activities that can help boost your swimming knowledge. Plus, they are fun!
Bathtub Practice
You may not be able to get to the pool, but you can still get in the water! For good bathtub practice ideas, check out this link to Gold Fish Swim School.
More Ideas for Families
Looking for other ideas to keep kids active while stuck at home? Keep them busy with these ideas!
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