If you're looking to shed some extra pounds and tone up your body, why not consider an early morning swim? Taking the plunge, literally, into a pool at the crack of dawn might seem like a bit much, but there are actually many advantages to swimming in the wee hours of the morning.
Not only is it a great form of exercise that helps boosts metabolism, it also can provide tons of other health benefits such as improved sleep quality and better concentration skills throughout the day.
Kick-start your day
Swimming in the morning provides a wide range of benefits, many of which revolve around improved metabolism and energy. Studies have shown that early morning swimming increases metabolism throughout the day, since exercise boosts metabolism with higher intensity than almost any other activity.
Additionally, swimming first thing in the morning can help you to kick-start your alertness and energy, preparing you for whatever lies ahead. This can help to decrease fatigue whilst heightening focus and productivity.
Swimming is also known to be great for mental well-being, as it reduces anxiety and releases stress, the combination of calming pool sides and a vigorous workout is unbeatable for resetting one's mindset and preparing for what comes next.
Crucial to have good technique
Swimming is an excellent way to lose weight and tone the body. When done correctly, it can even work better than other forms of exercise, burning more calories in a shorter amount of time. For the best results, it's crucial to have good technique, proper form makes swimming easier and safer.
Start by floating on your stomach, arms stretched out in front you and feet together. Keep your body as straight as possible and move both arms simultaneously in a circular motion from shoulder level through to the thighs.
For each stroke, press down hard with each arm while using your legs to propel yourself forward. Remember to keep breathing evenly and avoid holding your breath! With a few tips and some practice, you'll be able to swim efficiently without feeling winded or sore afterwards.
Improve muscle tone after swimming
After a swimming session, engaging in post-swim exercises can help maximize the benefits of your time spent in the pool. Yoga postures are a great way to do this, they not only allow you to stretch out and relax, but they also target any residual tension in your muscles.
Targeting core and upper body strengthening is also an often-overlooked aspect of post-swim workouts such as planks, sit ups and push ups can be immensely beneficial in helping to improve muscle tone after swimming.
Finally, it is important to always cool down properly with light stretching or aerobic activity such as jogging or walking; this helps build cardiovascular endurance while improving flexibility at the same time. Therefore, incorporating yoga poses and other strength and cardio exercises into your swim routine will undoubtedly help maximize the effectiveness of your time in the pool. Alternatively book into yoga classes at your local private gym.
Eating the right foods
Eating the right foods before swimming can give you the energy and strength to make your swimming session a success. Complex carbohydrates such as oatmeal, brown rice, and quinoa are some of the best options because they slowly break down over time releasing energy into your bloodstream while you swim and also keep you full for longer. Eating proteins such as eggs and tofu provide amino acids which help in muscle recovery after an exhausting swim session.
Fruits like bananas, apples, dates, or figs are also amazing pre-swim choices as they provide concentrated amounts of carbohydrates for energy that allow for faster recovery. All these combined will have you feeling energetic and ready to take on your next big challenge!
Protect yourself from harmful UV exposure
Wearing the right clothing when swimming in the morning is key to getting the most out of your swim session. For those early morning swimmers, a wetsuit should be your go-to for added buoyancy, warmth and protection from the elements. Wearing a Rashguard or swim shirt over your wetsuit will also help protect from harmful UV exposure from the sun as you work up a sweat.
Layering is essential as temperatures can decrease between setting off in the morning and finishing in the afternoon, especially during autumn and winter months, so bringing an extra top like a hoodie or tracksuit jacket to put on once you’re done with your swim is always helpful. And no matter what season you begin your swim in, don't forget to wear appropriate sunglasses as early-morning rays can be harsh on eyes.
