These are the Stretches You Should do Before Swimming

Swimming is a strenuous cardio sport that’s a full-body workout. When taking big strides in the water, your whole body works together to make you swim great lengths.

Like any other workout, it’s important to stretch before you start exercising. Stretching prior to exercise is extremely important because it helps reduce muscle stiffness and it allows your muscles to recuperate better afterward. Here are some stretches to do before you hit the water.

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Downward Facing Dog

This basic yoga move is extremely important since it helps your body stretch to great lengths. In this move, you’re stretching your legs and holding your position so your legs are strong enough to support your swimming. It also helps to elongate the spine which is important so it doesn’t get injured while swimming.

Oblique Stretches

Oblique stretching is vital for lengthening your sides. You’ll definitely need to stretch out your sides especially when swimming since your torso moves forward. To swim better on your side and to achieve those long graceful strokes, make sure to do a quick oblique stretch.

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▪️What are the various types of stretching techniques? ▫️Typically there are 6 ways to stretch. . ▪️What are these? ▫️(1) Static: Stretching and then holding it for some time (2) Ballistic: Bobbing or bouncing movements (3) Dynamic: Repetitive movements like arm swings (4) Passive: Stretching using external force – e.g. weights (5) Active: Stretching using own strength such as raising our leg and holding it up without use of arms (6) PNF: A rehab technique best left to the specialists. . ▪️What type of stretching do we do in Hatha yoga? ▫️A mix. Most Asanas are static. But we also do active stretches such as in Hands free version of Utthita Padangushtasana. Many Kriyas like Sun salutations use dynamic movements. When we use wall and props we engage in passive stretches. And partner yoga would involve PNF 😊 . ▪️Which is the worst? ▫️Neither. Though Ballistic is highly dangerous and only experts should practice it. So never bob up and down while stretching. . ▪️Which is the best? ▫️All are good. The sequence matters. If you stretch correctly you should not be sore the next day. . On that note welcome to Day 2 of #MiniYogaSequences and today’s pose is Parivritta Janusirsasana. I’ve given two variations – please choose one that works best for you. . || I’ve uploaded a ~10 min preparatory video for this pose on my IGTV which you can practice before doing this pose. In today’s sequence I’ve focussed more on opening up the side body as we’ve already done a lot of hamstring work the previous day. || . . . 🧘🏻‍♀️Hosts:  @mintyogini @irya_devi @yoganama . 🎁Sponsors: @khromaherbs @ashapateldesigns @vayumudra @ajnawellbeing @yogisurprise . . . . . #yoga #yogini #learnyoga #yogachallenge #yogatips #parivrittajanusirsasana #yogatutorial #yogateacher #howtoyoga #hamstringstretch #obliquestretch #sidestretch #yogaforeveryone #yoganama #igyogacommunity #hathayoga #indianyogateacher #yogaforbeginner #stretchingroutine

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