We’ve officially launched into 2023. Did you make New Year’s resolutions? If you haven’t, it’s not too late! You can still make resolutions that enable you to improve in various areas of your life, including swimming. While you should always have goals for improvement in the pool, some other great New Year’s resolutions focus on what you do outside of the pool to help you swim better.
Better Sleep
Most people don’t get enough sleep. Not sleeping well has a measurable effect on your swimming performance. Resolve to sleep for at least 7 consecutive hours. This can help you swim faster. Getting enough sleep gives your body a better opportunity to recover. You’re also less likely to reach for snacks with little to no nutritional value to stay awake and energized, making it easier to keep your body in top swimming form.
Better Hydration
Does it seem counterintuitive that you need to drink more water if you’re a swimmer? The confusion is understandable–after all, you’re spending all that time in the water. Why should you need to drink more? As you swim, your body temperature rises and you sweat to cool down. You just don’t realize it because you’re already in the water. Staying hydrated allows your body to function optimally, something you need if you want to swim well. Pay attention to how much water you drink during the day and especially during a swim session. Resolve to drink more water if you aren’t drinking enough.
Better Posture
You’ve probably heard about the need for good posture plenty of times before. Has it sunk in yet? Could your posture be better? Practicing good posture makes you more aware of your body. That awareness will help you find proper alignment in the water, making it possible to swim faster. Good posture, especially while swimming, also reduces your risk of injury. Resolve to practice good posture and improve it to decrease your risk of injuring your shoulders, neck, and back.
There’s always something you can do to improve as a swimmer. While plenty of goals and improvements center around your time in the pool, you can do plenty of things outside of it to boost your performance. Commit to taking good care of your body in 2023. The better you care for your body, the better it will do when it’s time to jump in the pool.
Want to improve as a swimmer this year? SwimJim can help! Click here to contact us and get signed up for one of our many swimming programs today!