admin Swimming strengthens the body, increases aerobic ability, and calms the mind. However, like all activities involving repetitive movements, swimming should also be complemented with exercises and other actions to keep the body balanced.
You can achieve this goal by using yoga poses to stretch and engage certain muscle groups, which may not have been targeted as well by swimming’s repetitive, strenuous movements. Learn how Asana can help swimmers and what postures you should start with.
Yoga for Swimmers
Yoga is a great way to improve your swimming ability and maintain fitness outside the pool. Regular practice enhances swimming technique through increased strength and mindfulness. The body is also allowed to move in opposite directions, which counteracts repetitive movements.
Yoga poses, for example, use gravity to strengthen muscles and bones. Yoga helps to restore the gravity pull that swimming removes.
Swimming is a sport that requires a lot of flexibility and strength. These postures can be done on land to improve your flow in the water and on the ground.
Plank Pose
Kumbhakasana is good for strengthening the core muscles and the whole body. The core strength of swimmers is important because it allows them to maintain a shape similar to that of a torpedo. This shape will enable you to move through the water quickly and easily while still propelling yourself forward. Here’s how to do it right.
Cobra Pose
The pectoralis minor and major muscles, also known as the “pecs,” are used in every major swimming stroke. Bhujangasana activates the core while stretching these muscles, adding strength and balance to any swimming program.
This pose also stretches intercostal muscles between the ribs. This allows the rib cage and breathing capacity to increase.
Figure Four Chair Pose
Eka Pada Utkatasana stretches hips and glutes, helping to counter tension caused by swimming. This pose strengthens the leg and foot muscles and tones your core. It also improves your kicking speed and form.
Wide Leg Forward Fold with Clasped hands
Prasarita Padottanasana stretches the muscles that swimmers need, including the glutes, the back, the shoulders, and the legs. It can also improve concentration and focus, which are key to getting into the competitive swimming zone.
Bound Angle Pose
It is important to be aware of your hips when you are swimming. The motion should come from the hip, not the knee. Baddha Konasana stretches our hips and groin to maintain and promote good swimming technique.
Bow Pose
Dhanurasana engages the core while providing a deep stretch for the chest, arms, and legs. This posture improves the strength of your back, which will allow you to maintain a better posture in and out of water.
Down Dog with Calf stretch
Adho Mukha Svanasana helps to stretch the hamstrings and shoulders while strengthening the arms. Place one foot on the opposite calf to increase the stretch.
Pose of the Locust
Salabhasana strengthens the backs of arms and legs and engages the glutes while stretching the chest, shoulders, and thighs. Your kicking technique will improve if you have stronger glutes! Recreate this pose in the water to enhance your form and speed.
Both swimming and yoga are effective, low-impact ways to improve your physical health. Both activities are complementary and can be customized to meet individual needs. Yoga can prepare you for the water, whether you’re a novice or an experienced swimmer. It will also help build strength to ensure a stronger, safer flow.
