Swim your way to a sleek physique

Swimming classes and lessons are widely available to anyone who wants to take up the challenging yet rewarding exercise. Photo courtesy of AP Photo/Seth Wenig.

Not every exercise junkie enjoys spending countless hours in the gym and often look for new ways to change up their routine and still maintain results.

Swimming is one of the best full body workouts for anyone at any level of exercise. It works every muscle in your body, expands your lung capacity, and gives you a nice tan all at the same time. Getting started in swimming is relatively easy with most gyms, schools and some parks equip with lap and leisure pools. The best way to get started is to just jump right in.

“To start swimming you just need to go for it,” said freshman CSULB water polo player Sarah Aguayo. “Don’t make any excuses for yourself. Swimming relieves stress and is very relaxing. A 15-minute swim workout is basically all you need a day to help keep you fit and keep your stress level down. Not only will you get a nice tan but your body will stay fit and toned.”

Taking on something completely different and new can be quite a challenge for those looking for a new exercise routine. While anyone can learn the basics of swimming, it takes time and patience to get comfortable with the water and knowing what you can and cannot do is essential to your safety and your ultimate results.

“The main thing that people should realize is knowing their limits,” said Downey High School swim coach Sal Castro. “If one lap is all they can do at one time then that should be their workout. They should do a set of 25’s [meters] with a minute rest after each lap. If they can do 2 or 3 laps without stopping then that should be their workout. Swimmers talk about a “feel” for the water. That “feel” will come after time so don’t get frustrated and stick with it.”

Though swimming is a definite full-body workout, eating the right kind of food is still important even when your body is burning calories very quickly. Maintaining a healthy diet before and after a swim workout will not only maximize your results, but it also won’t leave you feeling ill afterward.

“Many swimmers will say that they can eat anything they want because swimming can be such an intense workout, but to have successful workouts, I would recommend not eating anything too heavy, greasy, or acidic for at least an hour before jumping in the pool,” said Stanford University water polo alumna Dani Bell. “Foods that "sit funny" with you regularly will really bother you while you're swimming if you don't give your body time enough to digest. Fruits and energy bars are usually good bets.”