Why Swimming Can Make You Feel Fatigued

Why Swimming Can Make You Feel Fatigued

If you swim for exercise or in a more invigorating way, you might feel tired to some extent when you get out of the pool or later on. This is just one example of how swimming could be coupled with increased fatigue. Below, we go over some of the possible reasons you may find yourself feeling tired after swimming.

Exposure to Cooler Water

A more basic reason you may feel a bit tired after swimming or spending some time in a pool, whether it’s a traditional or salt water pool, is because of the cooler temperatures. Colder water makes your body use more energy. Add the energy needed for swimming on top of what’s needed to keep you internally warm, and the result could be some post-swimming fatigue.

Not Being Used to How Swimming Works Muscles

Another more general reason you may feel tired after swimming is because many different muscle groups are stimulated. But you may not realize this due to the natural buoyancy of water. If this is the only issue, your fatigue may go away as you get into a regular swimming routine.

Lack of Sufficient Cardiovascular Strength

Some swimmers also get tired from a lack of sufficient cardiovascular strength. This is something you may be able to compensate for with other cardio-based exercises when you’re not swimming, which could include:

• Casual or brisk walking
• Bike riding or cycling
• Jogging
• Elliptical machine use

Using Physically Demanding Strokes

Every swimmer has his or her own favorite stroke, but some strokes are more physically taxing than others. For instance, the backstroke and sidestroke require more effort, which could leave you tired if you spend a lot of time in the pool swimming or practicing. The breaststroke is often considered the easiest and least demanding swimming stroke.

Incorrect Form & Technique

You may also find yourself tired after swimming if you’re using incorrect form and technique as you swim. If you’re overreaching or excessively straining with your strokes, you may feel tired from all the added exertion. This is something you can remedy by brushing up on your abilities with practice or by taking lessons if you’re fairly new to swimming.

Pushing Yourself Too Hard

If you’re an intermediate or seasoned swimmer, you could end up pushing yourself too hard with swim sets or practice sessions that are too demanding, which could leave you physically exhausted after swimming. With situations like this, adjusting your swim workouts or practice sessions may be helpful. You might also benefit from input from a swim coach or trainer if swimming is something you do competitively.

Not Mixing Up Your Swim Workouts with Land-Based Exercise

Even if you swim for exercise but not competitively, you could still end up feeling tired afterward if swimming is all you do for exercise. While swimming, as mentioned above, does target several muscle groups, what you do for exercise out of the water is just as important. For this reason, finding a balance with land-based exercises and ones you do in the pool could help you feel less fatigued after swimming.

If you’re looking for the perfect way to boost your physical fitness levels, a pool can be exactly what you need. As an award-winning swimming pool contractor San Diego families and businesses have trusted for more than four decades, San Diego Pools can create a custom pool for you that offers a great way to exercise as well as a place to relax and get away from it all. Give us a call today at 888-707-7786.

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