Health Benefits of Breaststroke Swimming: What Are the Pros and Cons?

More information on breaststroke swimming

Is breaststroke good for your health? Is it a good sport for everyone? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced swimmer, here’s a list of the benefits and problematics you may encounter when swimming the breaststroke.

TOP 4 advantages and health benefits of breaststroke

Swimming the breaststroke has a number of benefits:

1. Breaststroke helps improve breathing and endurance
2. Breaststroke strengthens the muscles and makes joints more flexible
3. Breaststroke activates venous circulation and relieves heavy legs
4. Breaststroke provides a sense of calm and well-being

What are the disadvantages of breaststroke?

There are more advantages than disadvantages to breaststroke. As with any swimming sport, certain pathologies (skin problems, lung infections, neurological disorders, lower back pain, joint problems, tendonitis, etc.) need to be monitored. Breaststroke requires frequent knee movements, which can weaken the knees and cause pain in people with osteoarthritis. If in doubt, always seek medical advice.

Definition and practical information on breaststroke!

What is the breaststroke? How is it done?

Breaststroke is a symmetrical, ventral swimming technique that requires synchronized arm and leg movements.

The breaststroke technique is performed in two stages. First, the arms extend and the legs propel, then the arms pull and the legs return with the head, back and shoulders out of the water (breathing). Compared with the front crawl, backstroke or butterfly, breaststroke is a slow stroke accessible to all. In fact, it’s the first stroke technique taught to beginners.

What’s the difference between breaststroke and other swimming techniques?

• The front crawl is the fastest swimming technique. The swimmer lies on his or her stomach and alternately rotates the arms while kicking the legs.
• Backstroke is an asymmetrical stroke in which the swimmer swims on his or her back. The swimmer alternates between arm and leg movements to propel himself.
• Butterfly is a symmetrical stroke in which the swimmer propels himself or herself by pulling and pushing the arms and undulating the legs and hip.
• Synchronized or artistic swimming is a combination of dance and swimming, in which the swimmer reproduces gymnastic figures to music.