Swimming is a fantastic form of exercise that works out every part of your body, and it’s low-impact, making it perfect for those with joint pain or injuries.
No matter what your swimming ability is, there are plenty of swimming styles that can help you increase your calorie burn and get closer to achieving your fitness goals. Here are some of the best swimming styles that will help you maximize your calorie burn.
1. Freestyle (Front Crawl)
Freestyle, or front crawl, is one of the most popular and efficient swimming styles that you can learn. Freestyle is excellent for calorie burning because it is fast, and you are using all the major muscle groups in your body.
It is also a great cardio workout that can help improve your endurance and lung capacity.
2. Butterfly Stroke
The butterfly stroke is a challenging swimming style that can be very effective for burning calories. It requires a lot of strength in your upper body and core, making it an excellent workout that targets your entire body.
The butterfly stroke is fast, and you are using your arms, legs, and core all at once, which makes it a great high-intensity cardio workout.
3. Breaststroke
The breaststroke is another excellent swimming style that can help you maximize your calorie burn. It is slower than some other swimming styles, but it requires more power from your legs, which can help you build muscle in your lower body.
Additionally, the breaststroke is also a great way to work on your breathing technique and improve your lung capacity.
4. Backstroke
The backstroke is a great way to work out your back and shoulders, which are often ignored in other forms of exercise. This swimming style can also help improve your posture and help alleviate back pain.
Additionally, the backstroke is an excellent way to unwind and relax after a long day, as it doesn’t require as much energy as some of the other swimming styles on this list.
5. Interval Training
Finally, one of the best ways to maximize your calorie burn while swimming is to incorporate interval training into your routine.
Interval training involves alternating between high-intensity bursts of swimming and periods of rest or lower-intensity swimming. This type of training can help increase your metabolism and burn more calories during and after your swim.
The Bottom Line
No matter what your fitness goals are, swimming is an excellent way to work out your entire body while still being gentle on your joints.
By incorporating these swimming styles into your routine and adding in some interval training, you can maximize your calorie burn, improve your cardiovascular health, and get closer to achieving your fitness goals.