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.
Competitive swimming has existed since the 19th century and possibly for many centuries before that, according to the Federation Internationale de Natation, or FINA, the governing body for international competitive swimming.
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Swimming laps provides a moderate to intense aerobic workout that can help you burn calories and manage your weight. Swimming can also help you strengthen muscles in your upper body, lower body and core. Some strokes work core muscles better than others.
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International swimming competitions feature four strokes: freestyle, butterfly, backstroke and breaststroke. The freestyle remains the fastest stroke, according to world records posted on USAswimming.com, followed by butterfly, backstroke and breaststroke, the slowest competitive swimming stroke.
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