Underwater Swimming Workout Tip

I know it's that time of year where many of you are thinking about anything else but swimming, especially if you live in a cold weather climate and have your own above ground pool. But you might have an indoor community pool or one at your local gym. Besides, it will get warm again before you know it...

So I want to share with you some swimming workout techniques I've used in my pool to help enhance my personal fitness.

Before you say, "Hey wait a minute! I thought this was an above ground pool deck blog!", consider the following...

1. Swimming is a great non-impact total body workout that can sculpt your body with lean muscle and help improve your cardiovascular fitness.

2. Swimming is great for your bones and joints because unlike other impact sports or exercises you're not jerking your body around or being slammed into.

3. And since this is a deck and pool newsletter I'm going to go ahead and assume you have a swimming pool already and you're going to swim in it from time to time.

So, since I want you to "know your pool" and have an enjoyable overall experience with your swimming pool and above ground pool deck, I think you will find good value for the occasional swim safety or workout tip.

Now before I share the following workout tip with you I need to remind you that you must be a confident swimmer before trying any of this.

And please observe all safety precautions.

For example, if you have kids and they want to try these workout tips please make sure they're supervised during their time in the water.

UNDERWATER SWIMMING

It may seem crazy but underwater swimming is a great cross-training exercise if you're interested in improving your cardio.

Not only do you get the total body workout of regular lap swimming but you also train the lungs to have greater capacity. For example, I surf a lot here in California and it's important for me to condition my lungs and mind not to panic if I'm underwater.

This exercise is not limited to surfers. If you do any sort of endurance sport or any other water sport it's a good idea to train your lungs and mind to handle the shock of less oxygen.

Oh, and by the way, if you're wondering what a surfer in California is doing talking about above ground pool decks please note that 15% of above ground pools are sold in the west now! And more above ground pools are sold in the US than any other swimming pool.

Anyway, that side note aside, here are some ideas on how to get the most out of your underwater swim:

• For safety, start with a swimming pool of normal length like the one in your backyard. You can also try a local community pool or one at a gym. Watch your times if it's a longer pool.

• Do ten reps (laps) at 30 seconds each.

• If 30 seconds is too long, start with 15 second intervals and gradually add time from there.

• Do this at twice per week to start with and then gradually increase frequency from there.

• Wear a watch so you can track your times.

• Don't push yourself too hard.
  

• Know your limits and ability.

• For safety, make sure you're already a good swimmer and have someone watch you.

• Children should be supervised.

As always, enjoy your time in the pool and be safe.

Regards,

Paul Ottaviano
How to Build Pool Deck