
3 Must-Try Prenatal Swim Workouts (From a Mommy Swimmer)
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Ever wonder if swimming while pregnant was a good idea? IT IS!
Swimming during pregnancy offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being. Here are some key advantages:
1. Low-Impact Exercise
- Gentle on Joints: Swimming reduces the strain on joints and ligaments, making it ideal for expectant mothers who may experience joint discomfort.
- Safe Cardiovascular Workout: Provides an effective way to maintain cardiovascular fitness without the high impact of other forms of exercise.
2. Reduces Swelling and Discomfort
- Improves Circulation: Promotes better blood flow, helping to reduce swelling in the legs and feet.
- Eases Back Pain: The buoyancy of the water supports your weight, relieving pressure on the back and pelvis.
3. Supports Healthy Weight Management
- Helps maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy, reducing the risk of complications and aiding in postpartum recovery.
4. Enhances Mood and Reduces Stress
- Releases Endorphins: Regular swimming releases mood-enhancing hormones, helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
- Calming Effect: The rhythmic movement and water environment provide a sense of calm and can help improve sleep quality.
5. Improves Muscle Tone and Strength
- Builds and maintains muscle tone, especially in the core, arms, and legs, which can be beneficial for labor and delivery.
6. Promotes Better Breathing and Lung Capacity
- Breathing Practice: Swimming helps you practice controlled breathing, which can be useful during labor.
Workout 1
(Have Fins, Pull Buoy and Paddles available) :)
Warm-up
- 4 x 50m Easy Freestyle with a pull buoy (focus on smooth breathing and body position)
- 4 x 50m with fins (2 x freestyle, 2 x backstroke) – work on gentle, controlled kicks with fins
- 1 x 50m Easy backstroke (swim relaxed, focus on reaching and stretching with every stroke)
Main Set (20-25 minutes):
- 4 x 50m Freestyle with pull buoy, 15 seconds rest between each (focus on consistent stroke rhythm, work on core engagement)
- 4 x 50m Backstroke with fins, 15 seconds rest between each (try to maintain a steady tempo and relaxed breathing)
- 2 x 50m Freestyle with fins, 20 seconds rest between each (use fins for an added speed boost, focus on efficient arm strokes)
- 2 x 50m One-arm Freestyle drill (alternate left and right arm each length, no fins), 20 seconds rest between each (helps engage shoulders and arms in a gentle way)
Cool-down (5-10 minutes):
- 2 x 50m Backstroke, easy pace, with pull buoy (relax into the movement)
- 2 x 50m Easy Breaststroke with fins (light stroke to gently stretch out and cool down)
Workout 2
Warm-up
- 2 x 50m Freestyle with pull buoy, easy pace (focus on long, smooth strokes)
- 4 x 50m Alternating Backstroke and Freestyle with fins (25m each stroke, switch between backstroke and freestyle every 25 meters)
- 1 x 50m Easy Backstroke (focus on nice, controlled movement)
Main Set (20-25 minutes):
- 3 x 50m Freestyle with pull buoy, 15 seconds rest between each (keep a steady pace, focus on core engagement)
- 3 x 50m Backstroke with fins, 15 seconds rest between each (work on fluid, continuous strokes with an emphasis on controlled breathing)
- 2 x 50m One-arm Freestyle drill (alternate arms every 25 meters), 20 seconds rest between each
- 2 x 50m Freestyle with fins, 20 seconds rest between each (feel free to swim at a moderate pace, focusing on form)
Cool-down (5-10 minutes):
- 2 x 50m Backstroke, easy pace, with pull buoy (focus on slowing the heart rate down)
- 2 x 50m Freestyle with fins (just to relax and stretch out after the main set)
Workout 3
Warm-up
- 4 x 25m Easy Freestyle with pull buoy (focus on long, smooth strokes, controlled breathing)
- 2 x 50m Backstroke with fins (swim at a relaxed pace, focus on body position and steady kicks)
- 1 x 25m Freestyle with pull buoy (focus on gentle stroke technique and rhythm)
Main Set (20-25 minutes):
- 2 x 50m Freestyle with pull buoy, 15 seconds rest between each (focus on consistent pacing and body alignment)
- 2 x 25m Backstroke with fins, 10-15 seconds rest between each (work on steady kick and controlled stroke)
- 2 x 50m One-arm Freestyle drill (alternate left and right arms every 25 meters), 20 seconds rest between each (helps isolate each arm for improved stroke technique)
- 2 x 25m Freestyle with fins, 15 seconds rest between each (swim at a moderate pace, focus on fluid strokes with fins)
- 2 x 50m Freestyle with fins, 20 seconds rest between each (focus on smooth, efficient strokes with fins providing extra buoyancy)
Cool-down (5-10 minutes):
- 2 x 25m Backstroke with pull buoy, easy pace (relax and focus on stretching out the body)
- 1 x 50m Freestyle with fins (gentle, relaxed pace to cool down and bring the heart rate down)