How Swimming Can Jumpstart Muscle Recovery

Swimming is a refreshing way to recover after a heavy workout. That’s right, the pool can be more than just a fun summer activity. The pool can be a very beneficial tool to reduce soreness and flush blood lactate. In a 2010 study, participants had 14% enhanced muscle recovery after swimming.

Pool recovery workouts are beneficial because they let you move your body through a controlled range of motion without the hammering impact of dryland training. The best aspect of muscle recovery in the pool is that you can get the advantages in just a few minutes of basic motions. USA swimming recommends active recovery for their swimmers.

How you work out in the pool is completely up to you. If you are swimming solo, you can try a few power squats or jog runs. Or, you can gather a group together and play a game of water polo or pool volleyball.

Benefits of Swimming For Muscle Recovery

No impact:

Swimming, unlike jogging or other activities, has a low impact on your joints. The effects of gravity are nullified underwater, so when you land on the pool’s wall or floor, the impact will be significantly less than if you were on land.

Reinforces motor control:

Strengthened neuromuscular connections and motor control can be evident in all swimmers, as the diverse movements and maneuvers in swimming necessitate a strong mind-body connection.

Supports Healthy Shoulders:

The fluid and comprehensive range of motion involved in front crawl, butterfly, and backstroke can be particularly good for increasing flexibility and healthy range of motion in the shoulders for inactive individuals.

Pressure Relief:

Swimming also provides your muscles with a consistency in resistance than other cardio methods, allowing you to enjoy a safe recovery workout without worry of injury.