By Crystal Garland, Aquatics Director
All I can say is that in the past year, being able to swim in our beautiful pools has made all the difference for me. Mentally, physically and emotionally! For myself, and many of our valued swimmers here at Club Greenwood, our beautiful pools have helped us get through an amazingly difficult time. The saying “you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone” is so true! I took for granted that I could exercise and swim laps in a pool. Once the pools were closed back last March, I felt like a fish out of water. Once the pools opened, it was essential to add swimming back to my fitness regimen.
If you are an avid swimmer or just learning, swimming is a great total-body exercise.
Swimming utilizes all muscle groups while constantly stimulating your heart rate. Swimming is one of the best forms of cardiovascular exercise available to us, the more you swim the better you will feel. If you are able to swim for at least twenty minutes consistently between three to five days a week, this will help produce great results. You can continue to add time and distance to your workout once you feel comfortable with your new routine.
Whether you are getting started as a swimmer, or already have a great swim routine, it is a good idea to take a lesson from one of our experienced coaches.
Make sure your technique is correct and or help plan workouts to make you feel more efficient in the water, It is fun to add different strokes and change up your speeds during your swim. The only equipment needed is a swimsuit, goggles and swim cap if you like. Adding a kickboard, fins, pull buoys can help achieve working on different muscle groups all that will enhance your swimming experience.
Adding swimming to your workout routine is a great idea for total-body exercise, something new and fun, or continuing your swim routine, can’t wait to see you in the pool!
Crystal Garland
Crystal has been at Club Greenwood since 2006 and currently teaches lessons, water fitness and is and USA Certified Coach. Crystal is certified in the SwimAmerica program and is best known for improving young and adult people’s stroke’s and making them feel comfortable in the water. Crystal competed locally in Age group club swimming, College swimming at Iowa State University and still loves to compete with Masters swimming at Club Greenwood. Swimming is clearly a family affair as husband, Bob, and all three of her sons also swim!
Contact Crystal: [email protected]