How Does a Professional Swimmer Stay in Shape?
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Daily Workouts
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Strength training is a must for every professional swimmer. Swimmers cannot always be in the pool all the time. Muscles respond well to a variety of training, so it is common for swimmers to incorporate weight training into their routine. Weight lifting boosts muscle strength and also makes the bones strong. However, swimmers don't want bulging muscles to interfere with their buoyancy in the water.
Some professional swimmers choose other forms of activity for variety in their routine. Biking, running and other aerobic activities boost the muscle mass in the body while helping build stamina. The key is to build strong muscles while still maintaining speed in the water. Many professional incorporate stretching exercise regimens to increase glide and reach through the water. Swimmers aim to work their muscles from multiple angles to reduce overdeveloping one area of a muscle.
Every swimmer begins each workout, whether in the pool or not, with stretching. Professional swimmers spend their days fine-tuning their bodies for optimal movement through the pool. Whether this involves yoga or weight lifting, swimmers must be very careful not to injure themselves.
Daily Swims
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There's something to be said for practice. Professional swimmers are in the pool every day. Swimming is the way that a professional swimmer stays in shape. Despite those excellent time and medals, technique can always be perfected even more. Turns and strokes can always be more streamlined, and a swimmer can always be faster. Some swimmers spend 3 to 4 hours each day in the pool while some spend much less. It is not uncommon for a professional swimmer to swim 5 to 6 days each week.
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Balanced Diet for High Energy
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Diets vary among people and families. For that reason, there is no specific diet that is perfect for a professional swimmer. However, swimming requires a great amount of energy. Swimmers burn so many calories that they must take in an adequate amount of calories to offset the loss. Professional swimmers have the help of dietitians who most likely recommend a diet based on selections from all the food groups. Carbohydrate and protein intake may be higher because both are burned quickly with increased activity. Swimmers must also consume adequate amount of fluids.
Professional swimmers usually have a meal 3 to 4 hours before a race. During the time leading up the race and right after, swimmers usually have water and sports drinks to stay hydrated. If there is a long wait before a race, sometimes swimmers will consume fruits and low carbohydrate snacks. Swimmers also tend to be very hungry after expending so much energy in the pool. Eating relatively soon after a race is common. Many swimmers eat carefully, choosing foods that are low in fats such as fruits and vegetables.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Rufino Uribe
