Swimming is a popular sport and recreational activity that uses most of the major muscles of the body. It has many health benefits including improved cardiovascular system, increased flexibility and muscle strength, increased physical and mental well-being, and weight loss. There are four different swimming strokes used in competition: freestyle, butterfly, backstroke, and breaststroke. The purpose of this website is to highlight some of the primary muscles used in each stroke as well as briefly outline swimmer's shoulder, a common swimming injury. While many of the muscles used in each stroke overlap, they will be outlined with regard to specific actions within a particular stroke.
Fun Facts
- Ancient drawings and paintings found in Egypt depicting people swimming date back to 2500 BCE.
- The first recorded swimming races were held in Japan in 36 B.C.
- Swimming first became an Olympic event in 1896.
- The oldest form of stroke used is the breaststroke.
- An hour of vigorous swimming can burn up to 650 calories - more than walking or biking.
- The resistance of water is over ten times that of air, making swimming an efficient way to improve muscle strength.
- You can find a list of world records in swimming here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_world_records_in_swimming
Contact Information
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Fun facts source: http://www.swimmingpool.com/entertaining/fun-facts
Image source: http://trainingwithmatt.com/archives/368
Fun facts source: http://www.swimmingpool.com/entertaining/fun-facts