Everybody into the Pool
Swimming is an excellent exercise because it
is low-impact aerobic activity that uses nearly all of your major muscle groups. Treading water, the breast stroke, the backstroke, the dog paddle, the sidestroke, the butterfly, and freestyle all involve healthy cardio, resistance, and continual movements of the arms and legs. Any one of these strokes provides you with generous fitness benefits, including:
 | Strength gain |
| Big benefits with a small investment |
| Increased flexibility and cardiovascular endurance |
| Rapid calorie burn |
| Body toning |
But is there one stroke that gives you a better workout than the others? Freestyle, sometimes known as the front crawl, is the fastest and most efficient way to swim when done correctly. It is the most strenuous stroke and involves controlled breathing, constant kicking, and alternating arm movements.
Whether you are interested in a vigorous water workout or leisurely pool time, using a variety of strokes recruits additional muscles. So mix it up and have fun!
Source: American Cancer Society’s Because We Care, June 2006
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