It is extremely important to look after your body when swimming. Your body will not perform as it should if you are not healthy, and your chance of injury will rise.
Here are a few tips are essential for staying safe:
- Begin with a warm up
Warming up your muscles, joints, and ligaments prepares your body for exercise. Athletes who do not begin their workout with a warm-up routine are more likely to get injured than those who do. Your coach or doctor can advise you on exercises that are ideal for the type of swimming you do.
- Use proper technique
Having proper technique is vital in sport as it helps keep you safe and keeps you swimming efficiently. Ask your trainer or coach to watch you swim a few laps of each stroke, allowing them to identify any errors in your technique that may put you at risk for joint and muscle problems.
- Work out all your muscle groups
You should not be focusing solely on the muscles you'll use in the water. When you swim, your body functions together as a unit, which is why keeping your entire body fit is crucial to avoiding injuries. Weight training is recommended to help you focus on getting all of your muscle groups ready to swim.
- Be aware of your surroundings
Take your time and be particularly cautious of other swimmers and obstructions if you're swimming in a lake or ocean with limited visibility. The larger the number of individuals in your immediate vicinity, the greater the chance of injury.
- Don’t swim if you’re not healthy
If you have a fever or a cold, or if you just don’t feel well, you are advised not to swim. An athlete who is not in good physical shape could be a danger in the water to themselves and to the other swimmers in the water. Make sure you rest and recover from any illness or injury before getting into the water!