There are many benefits of backstroke swimming, from improving posture to increasing height. To get the maximum benefit, you must know the right backstroke swimming technique.
Backstroke swimming is the easiest swimming technique to distinguish from other swimming techniques, because you will be facing up while swimming.
This technique does make it easier for you to breathe. However, it will take strength and better muscle coordination to be able to maintain a body position in the water and keep your swimming direction straight.
Backstroke Swimming Techniques
The key to doing the backstroke is courage and a relaxed body. If you are interested in trying the backstroke, follow the steps below:
- Relax your whole body.
- Straighten your back as far as possible so that your front body is above the surface of the water.
- Try to keep your hips, head, and neck relaxed and in a straight line with your body.
- Swing one arm up and twist the back of your head back under the water. Always keep your arm close to your ear when twisting.
- Keep your arms straight and close together by keeping your fingers together, especially when your hands are underwater.
- While one arm is swinging underwater, simultaneously rotate the other arm up.
- Continue swinging your arms in alternating circular motions.
- Along with the movement of the hands, move the legs with a flapping kick, the same as when doing freestyle swimming.
Benefits of Backstroke Swimming
There are various benefits of backstroke swimming that you can get. Here are some of them:
1. Burn calories
Swimming is a good cardio exercise. Swimming backstroke for 30 minutes can burn about 250 calories. If done regularly, backstroke swimming can reduce your risk of obesity.
2. Train the body's muscles
When you swim backstroke, you will use a lot of muscles to move your body and keep your balance in the water. This is beneficial for training and toning the muscles of the body, especially the muscles of your arms, legs, stomach, back, shoulders, and buttocks.
3. Improve posture
Another benefit of backstroke swimming is that it helps improve posture. With this style of swimming, the muscles of the body need to work to keep the back straight in the water. By doing backstroke swimming regularly, you will get used to sitting or standing with an upright posture.
4. Make the body relax
Swimming with the backstroke is believed to be a means of relaxation for the body. Backstroke swimming is a style that is often used for leisure purposes. It can fix mood, and also helps you to sleep better at night.
5. Increase height
Increasing height is also one of the benefits of backstroke swimming.
As stated earlier, backstroke will train you to keep your body straight in the water. This can help lengthen your spine, making you appear taller and more muscular.
The benefits of backstroke swimming above can be felt if swimming is done regularly, which is about 2.5 hours a week. to combine swimming with eating a balanced nutritious diet and adequate rest.
If you still have questions regarding backstroke swimming or have certain health conditions, for example there is a history of arm injury, you can consult your doctor first before doing backstroke swimming.