Virgin Active Wellness Wednesday: Swimming Training

Last night was my first dive back into the pool in about three or four years. This might be hard to believe now, but back in school days I was a provincial swimmer. My main stroke was fly and even though I can hardly do 50m now, my big event was the 200m.

I love swimming so much, but it's a very taxing competitive sport and training twice a day, then spending all weekend at galas became less and less of interest to me boys became more and more of interest in high school.

But I've been wanting to get back into the pool and I've spent some time looking for a training program online. Yesterday I found this really cool website. It makes building a customized training plan super easy and it factors in everything from the length of the pool to your personal competence as a swimmer before putting together a one week program for you. The first two weeks are free and if you like the program you can pay $10 for a year's membership.

It felt absolutely incredible to be back in the water and after my 1400m session I couldn't wait to go back for more. I'm signing up with a coach and initially I'll be training with him once a week. Swimming is definitely not the kind of sport that you can master on your own, so if you're serious about your stroke and technique I'd definitely suggest getting a coach to train you.

10 Benefits Of Swimming Training

1. Swimming gives you an all-over workout, combining intense cardio with all-over muscle recruitment
    and burns around 500 calories per hour at an "easy" pace.
2. A serious swim burns around 700 calories per hour.
3. Because of the density of water, every pull and every kick is like resistance training, engaging your
   muscles and burning extra calories.
4. Swimming builds lean muscle in your arms and legs, and is an excellent workout for your core.
5. Because of the resistance the water offers, your metabolism kicks over into fat burning mode and
   continues to burn fat after you've finished your swim.
6. Swimming is very easy on your joints, as the water basically neutralizes gravity, meaning you can
    swim every day and have hardly any risk of injury.
7. Swimming is a sport that you can practice late into your old age as it offers low-impact, high-results
    training.
8. Swimming builds long, lean muscles, so it's the perfect workout for girls who don't want to "bulk
    up".
9. Swimming is an excellent workout for someone with an injury, as it doesn't place any extra pressure
   on any muscles or joints.
10. Swimming is really good for people who suffer from Asthma, as it helps to improve your lung
    capacity and the rhythmic breathing teaches you good breathing technique.

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