Swimming call for a correct body position and skilled arm and leg movements coordinated with proper breathing techniques. The body should be high in the water with shoulder slightly higher than legs. Maintain a long, clean line for least resistance. Follow through on arm strokes for full power. Kick for the hips.
The more level you hold your head in the water, the more horizontal your body remains and the less drag. Many people object to putting their faces into the water because the chlorine in public irritates their eyes. Properly fitted goggles will help prevent chlorine problems as well as eye infection from microorganisms in ponds, rivers, and lakes.
Like any exercise routine, swimming should be preceded by warm-ups, which can be poolside practice for swimming skills such as kicks. Cool-downs can be a few laps of slow swimming to bring your heart rate down.
Cautions:
Always enter the water slowly to accustom your cardiovascular system to the change of environment and temperature; never jump into unfamiliar waters.
Cramps, usually occurring in calf of foot, are sudden contractions of muscle fibers due to fatigue, cold water, tight muscles, or dietary problems. Flex and extend foot or toes and knead vigorously. To avoid stomach cramps, do not eat for at least hours before swimming.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
MARCH 4
