Do you know the benefits of freestyle swimming? Here's an explanation!

GBS - Freestyle swimming is one of the most common and popular swimming styles in swimming competitions. Freestyle is also often referred to as "freestyle." In freestyle swimming, swimmers have complete freedom in choosing the most efficient and fast swimming technique. 

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This means swimmers can use as many hand and footwork techniques as they see fit to increase their speed and efficiency in the water.

Although called "freestyle," most swimmers use the crawl technique when participating in this stroke. The crawl technique involves alternating movements of the hands and feet to propel the swimmer forward in the water. 

The hands make claw movements below the surface of the water, while the feet make jaw movements up and down. This technique is known for its efficiency in providing speed and the ability of swimmers to complete distances quickly.

Freestyle swimming is one of four swimming styles recognized by the International Swimming Federation (FINA) for use in swimming competitions. Other swimming styles include the backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly stroke. 

In swimming competitions, swimmers are often given the freedom to choose the swimming style they want to use in freestyle competitions, provided they comply with the rules and regulations that apply.

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Freestyle swimming or freestyle has many benefits for one's physical and mental health. Here are some of the main benefits of freestyle swimming for health:

1. Improved Cardiovascular Fitness: Freestyle swimming involves movement of the whole body and helps increase your heart rate. This helps strengthen the heart and improves blood circulation, which in turn can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
2. Muscle Development: The movement of the arms and legs during freestyle swimming engages many muscle groups, including the muscles of the arms, back, abdomen, hips and legs. This helps build and strengthen the muscles of the body as a whole.
3. Increased Lung Capacity: Swimming activities require good breathing arrangements. By controlling your breathing properly, your lungs will become stronger and able to absorb more oxygen, which is important for increasing endurance.
4. Improved Flexibility: The supple and natural movement in the water helps increase the flexibility of joints and muscles. This can help reduce the risk of injury and increase the body's range of motion.
5. Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Swimming in water can have a relaxing and calming effect. The gentle movement of the water and the feeling of losing weight while in the water can help reduce stress and anxiety levels.
6. Improved Posture: Freestyle swimming requires good posture to advance efficiently. This can help increase awareness of your posture while swimming and everyday.
7. Weight Management: Freestyle swimming is a sports activity that burns a lot of calories. This can help in your efforts to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
8. Improved Coordination: The coordinating movements involved in swimming help improve coordination between hands, feet and breathing. It can stimulate the brain and nervous system.
9. Increased Heart Muscle Strength: Swimming regularly can help increase the strength of your heart muscles, which is important for optimizing the flow of blood and oxygen throughout the body.
10. Improved Sleep Quality: Physical activity such as swimming can help improve sleep quality. This is because the body becomes more physically tired and the mind becomes calmer after exercising.

It is important to remember that these benefits can be obtained through regular and consistent swimming practice. Before starting a swimming training program, it is advisable to consult a health professional, especially if you have certain health conditions.

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