{"id":91646,"date":"2022-03-17T12:07:48","date_gmt":"2022-03-17T11:07:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/?p=91646"},"modified":"2022-03-17T12:07:48","modified_gmt":"2022-03-17T11:07:48","slug":"stretching-for-swimmers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/us\/training-technique-us\/stretching-for-swimmers\/","title":{"rendered":"Stretching for Swimmers to Help Avoid Injury"},"content":{"rendered":"

A <\/span>good stretch<\/span> before a workout will do your body wonders in <\/span>any <\/span><\/i>physical activity. Even though swimming is a low-impact sport, there is still a <\/span>risk of injury<\/span>, especially for those of us that hit the pool regularly. A solid <\/span>stretching routine<\/span> can improve your <\/span>range of motion<\/span> and your training longevity. Whether swimming is a fair-weather hobby for you or a full-time job, your body is yours for life, and a few minutes of stretching is definitely worth it to keep it healthy.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this article, we will find out why stretching for <\/span>swimmers<\/span> matters. Then, we\u2019ll take a look at some examples of essential stretches, explaining why each stretch is important and the benefits they offer.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stretching for Swimmers: Does It Really Matter?<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"Swimmer<\/p>\n

We all live busy lives; many of us are already thinking about our daily tasks during our <\/span>swim workouts<\/span>. Surely, there\u2019s no time to stretch as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

A good training session should be focused. If your mind is elsewhere, your progress and body will suffer. Making every rep count is a solid training mindset that works well in any competitive sport. Thinking that adding 10-15 minutes of stretching to your workout is a \u201cwaste of time\u201d is a recipe for disaster. Try to think of stretching as a<\/span> vital part of your <\/span>swim workout<\/span><\/a>. Simply put, stretching is as important as swimming.<\/span><\/p>\n

A <\/span>full-body<\/span> stretching routine<\/span> is one of the best things you can do for <\/span>injury prevention<\/span>. Stretching regularly will keep your muscles lean, long, and flexible. This means that you won\u2019t be putting excess force on the muscle itself. Unstretched colder muscles are more likely to become injured. Injured muscles are not strong enough to support the joints, which can lead to joint injury. This is a much more serious injury that is harder to treat.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you find your muscles are still tight and you are dealing with unwanted pain even after regular stretching, speak to your physician. They may recommend a more rigorous <\/span>stretching routine<\/span> or advise another form of treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

5 Essential Stretches for Swimmers<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"Stretching<\/p>\n

Now that you know why stretching matters, let\u2019s take a look at some of the most essential stretches you can do that will work all the <\/span>muscle groups<\/span>. It\u2019s best to swim a very gentle 10-minute <\/span>warmup<\/span> before you begin your stretches. Warmed-up muscles have a better <\/span>range of motion<\/span>, making your stretches more effective.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Child\u2019s Pose<\/b><\/h3>\n

You may recognize this famous stretch from your<\/span> yoga class<\/span><\/a>. Just like your class, you will need a mat for this stretch since you\u2019ll be putting significant weight on your knees and the tops of your feet.<\/span><\/p>\n