Brilio.net - Swimming is one of the most popular sports because it can provide great benefits for body health. In addition to being healthy for the heart and lungs, swimming also trains the muscles of the body as a whole. One of the interesting things about this sport is that there are various swimming styles that can be chosen according to a person's comfort level and ability. This article will discuss the various swimming styles along with their basic techniques.
1. Freestyle
Freestyle is one of the most frequently used swimming styles in competition. Although called freestyle, the most commonly used technique is alternating hand movements with the body in a prone position. The legs move to do a kick called a "flutter kick," which is a short and fast kick. The breathing technique is done by turning to the side according to the movement of the hands swinging back.
Freestyle is known for its speed and is a favorite choice for swimmers who want to increase their speed. Its benefits for the body include working almost all the muscles, especially the arms, shoulders, and legs. In addition, freestyle helps improve cardiovascular endurance.
2. Breaststroke
Breaststroke is one of the slower swimming strokes compared to freestyle, but has the advantage of being quick to learn. In this stroke, the swimmer is in a prone position with arms and legs moving like a frog. The arms push the water outward before returning to the front position, while the legs kick out, called a "frog kick," which involves bending the knees and straightening the legs simultaneously.
Breaststroke tends to be more relaxed and allows the swimmer to look forward while swimming. This stroke is great for working out the chest, thighs, and arms. Because of its slower tempo, this stroke is also suitable for people who want to swim leisurely and practice breathing.
3. Backstroke
Backstroke is one of the swimming styles that is done with the body lying on its back on the water. The hands rotate alternately backwards, while the legs do flutter kicks like in freestyle. The advantage of backstroke is its ability to train the back muscles and provide a good stretch to the shoulders.
Although backstroke offers the advantage of comfort, swimmers should be aware that the supine position can make it difficult to see where they are going. Backstroke is usually used by more skilled swimmers because it requires good coordination between the hands, feet, and breathing.
4. Butterfly Style
Butterfly is known as one of the most challenging swimming strokes and requires great muscle strength. This technique is done in a prone position where both hands move simultaneously forward, then backward, while accompanied by a leg movement known as a "dolphin kick." The leg movement in the butterfly style resembles the movement of a dolphin, where both legs kick simultaneously down and up.
The butterfly stroke requires a lot of energy, but provides great benefits to the body. This stroke is effective in burning calories and toning the core, shoulders, and chest muscles. Because of its complexity, this stroke is often learned after swimmers have mastered other basic strokes.
5. Dog Paddle
Although the dog style is not often used in competitions, it is still considered one of the swimming styles that can be practiced by beginners. This style is done with hand and leg movements like a swimming dog, where the hands move to paddle the water below the surface, while the legs make short kicking movements continuously.
The dog stroke is very easy to learn and is often used by children or people who are just learning to swim. This style is also suitable for swimming for a long time without having to use too much energy.
By choosing the right swimming style and practicing regularly, the body can stay fit, healthy, and stronger. Understanding the various swimming styles is the first step to maximizing the benefits of swimming in everyday life.