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.

The Muscles Used in the Breaststroke

Published Jul,08 2011 | By Kim Nunley

The breaststroke is a type of swimming style. The style requires coordination and timing between the muscles of the upper body and lower body.

Muscular Strength in Swimming

Published Jul,08 2011 | By Kim Nunley

Swimming requires both muscular strength and endurance. While endurance is the ability of the muscles to perform repeated submaximal contractions over time, strength is the amount of force that your muscles are able to produce.

Kim Nunley has been screenwriting and working as an online health and fitness writer since 2005. She’s had multiple short screenplays produced and her feature scripts have placed at the Austin Film Festival. Prior to writing full-time, she worked as a strength coach, athletic coach and college instructor. She holds a master's degree in kinesiology from California State University, Fullerton.