Swimming Skills: Faster Breaststroke, Cardio and Health Benefits

Swimming the breaststroke and backstroke efficiently depends on specific muscle engagement and stroke technique. Learn about the cardio benefits of lap swimming and the essential rules to avoid disqualification.

How to Protect Ears While Swimming

Otitis externa, or swimmer's ear, is an ear infection that affects the external ear and outer ear canal. Symptoms of swimmer's ear can include inflammation of the ear, itchiness inside the ear, pain when the ear is pulled or when the head is tilted, and infection leaking from the ear.

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Swimming & Ringworm

Ringworm infections are not caused by worms but rather by fungi collectively called dermatophytes. These fungi are commonly associated with hair, skin and nail infections. Dermatophytes gravitate to moist parts of the skin, such as folds or creases, notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Woman swimming in infinity pool

How to Remove Water From Ears After Swimming

It is common for water to become trapped inside the ear canal after swimming. Removing the water is important since moisture left inside the ear canal can cause ear infections or "swimmer's ear." Removing water from ears after swimming is a simple process, but must be done immediately after getting out of the water.

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House with pool

What Are the Benefits of Swimming Pools?

When considering whether you would like to install a pool or purchase a home with a pool or a membership to a community pool, consider the benefits of swimming pools. Although you might not be an exceptional swimmer, you can still enjoy a swimming pool.

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Games for Swimming Lessons

Learning to swim, a rite of passage for many children, can be a positive experience when instructors use patience and creativity. Through age-appropriate games, fledgling swimmers learn water safety skills and basic swim strokes that encourage a lifetime of fun and fitness.

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Swimming with a kickboard

What Are the Benefits of Using a Kickboard When Swimming?

Whether you are a new swimmer or the training partner of Olympian Michael Phelps, using a kickboard can enhance your workout. Along with swim fins, goggles and pull-buoys, swimmers can use kickboards as part of a complete cardiovascular workout.

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Woman swimming, underwater view

Swimming Interval Workouts

Interval workouts use a combination of high-intensity activity followed by a low-intensity activity. This combination not only allows you to recover during the low-intensity period, but also enables greater overall conditioning.

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Long Distance Swimming Workouts

US Masters Swimming defines long-distance swimming as any pool event of more than 1,650 yards, or an event of one hour or more. Because of the distance and duration demands of a long-distance swim event, adequate training is imperative to avoid injury, burnout, and fatigue.

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Health Effects of Swimming Pool Algae

The opening of swimming pools marks an annual rite of passage from spring to summer. As temperatures rise, children and adults flock to pools to cool off and take advantage of the nice weather. Swimming pool water, if not properly maintained, can lead to skin disorders and bacterial infections.

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What Are the Benefits of Swimming for Kids?

Teaching your child to swim and encouraging him to swim regularly can have significant benefits for both his health and safety. Especially on a hot day, swimming is a way to keep cool while encouraging a healthy level of physical and social activity.

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What Muscles Does Swimming Exercise?

Swimming is an all-body exercise. A physically demanding combination of cardio and power, it works your heart, and the muscles in your legs, arms, torso and hips. The constant resistance from the water forces your muscles to simultaneously contract and stretch, creating flexible and resilient muscle fibers.

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Mother and son in swimming pool

Activities for Infant Swim Lessons

Infant swimming lessons help your child get comfortable in the water. The lessons also provide a sensory activity and help the young participants practice their physical development skills.

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Woman swimming in outdoor pool, elevated view

What Are the Benefits of Swimming for Women?

A body of water provides multiples avenues for exercise. Swimming, walking, aerobics and resistance training are all examples of water routines that build strength and burn calories while providing women with an effective workout.

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