Okay, as promised when I created the “Why Running is Better Than Swimming” blog, here’s the “Why Swimming is Better Than Running” list.
I won’t lie. I struggled with this one more than I did the other one. Don’t get me wrong, I see huge benefits to adding in swimming to my workout routine. I’m even thinking that when I’m done with this Ironman race, I’ll still continue to keep swimming as part of my repertoire.
There are times when I can feel the relaxing nature of the water moving over my arms. In fact, that’s what I tell myself to focus on when I’m getting overly worked up and stressed out in the water. Which, I have to admit is much more often than I like to admit.
There are times…
…I don’t want to do the drills because I feel that I especially struggle with controlled breathing during the drills.
…I don’t want to free style swim because I know I should be pushing myself to swim all bilateral and take shorter breaks on the one end of the pool (I have stopped taking breaks on at least one side of the pool!), and that’s uncomfortable and makes me nervous.
…I don’t want to do the kick drills because I’m worried I’m not quite doing them right.
Okay, enough! This is a list about why swimming is better than running. Let’s get to it!
- When you get up to go to the gym to swim, no need to wash your face.
- No post workout cool down time needed (at least not for me, at my level!)
- Easier on body joints.
- No concern about over heating (again, at least not at my level!).
- You get a lane in the pool and it’s all yours.
- You use more muscle groups.
- Swimming enables you to be deeply in tune with your body (my mind is moving from body part to body part trying to make sure all the appendages are doing what they’re supposed to!)
Swimmers, I’m sorry! I know there’s more. What else do you have to add? What makes swimming your sport of choice?
And, I gotta admit I thought of more things for the “Why Running is Better Than Swimming” list when I was putting together this list… For example. swimming is really destroying my finger nails…
Amy, leave it to you to be able to see the WHOLE! When I first read the title I thought you mixed up the words 🙂 xoxo MJ
Ha! Right?! I’ve actually this week had 2 great swim sessions 2 days in a row! And then I talked to someone who has done an Ironman today and realized afresh how far I have to go!! Yikes…one day at a time. 🙂