How many Laps Should I be Swimming for a Good Workout?

A reader asked…

Q: How many laps should I be swimming to get a good workout?

The answer to this question will vary, some will say 40 laps in a 25 meter pool, others will say do 20 laps per day and so forth. However, irrespective of the different views and opinions about how many laps of swimming an individual should do to get a good workout, one thing is for sure and that is, a good workout will be dependent on the individual doing the laps and the specific implications that each lap has on the individual’s cardiovascular system and fitness level.

A few laps of swimming for some people will have a positive impact on their well being, while others may take a few laps in the swimming pool and say that they are doing light exercises. Undoubtedly, swimming will improve your fitness level, and your mental and physical health, as it will increase your strength and stamina, but as to measure how many laps in the pool to determine a good workout can be difficult. This difficulty exists because of the apparent differences in each human body. In determining how many laps in a swimming pool forms a good workout package, you may also need to consider your planned objectives and goals.

Swimming is commonly known by many athletes as a demanding exercise, mainly because it pressures all the muscle groups of the body and forces them into a state of fitness and wellness. Swimming also keeps the joints flexible and in good condition, but for many it can be a mystery as to how many laps of swimming around a swimming pool makes a good workout program. Professional swimming trainers may speculate by saying that a good swimming workout will be dependent on how many laps will raise your pulse to a target rate and keep it there for about 40 minutes. The trainers will categorize this pulse rate as a good workout, regardless of the number of laps you do. They will go further to say that this will keep you in good shape and you will maintain your health.

Practicing laps is a great aerobics exercise, as you will also have the option of swimming different strokes. Swimming strokes can affect the number of laps that your need for a good workout, mainly because some of the strokes will have different demands on your muscles and fitness levels. Therefore, if you are doing free style compared to the breast stroke, the number of laps you do to get a good workout will be slightly different.

Swimming in general provides you with an excellent aerobic exercise, which increases your strength and energy, controls your weight, improves your circulation and relieves you of stress and other tensions. In addition to these benefits, there are many other benefits in practicing lap swimming. For example, just a few laps can reduce your blood pressure and your chances of getting a stroke. It will also reduce a resting heart rate and raise your cardiovascular input, resulting in an increase in the flow of blood to your entire body. However, to pinpoint a required number of laps for every individual to get a good workout will be extremely difficult, mainly because different individuals have different body structures and fitness levels.

Photo Credits: Khaleeka

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aerobics exercise, apparent differences, cardiovascular system, fitness, good shape, human body, joints, laps, light exercises, meter pool, muscle groups, mystery, one thing, physical health, pulse rate, stamina, swimming pool, swimming workout, target rate, workout program

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Swimming, Training and Tips

Posted by Bike Swim Run on March 24, 2010 in Swimming, Training and Tips. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.