Treading water is an important skill for any swimmer to master. Doing so helps a swimmer become stronger, more confident, and better able to keep themselves safe in the water. Of course, treading water isn’t an easy thing to do. The good news is that there are things you can do to make it easier.
Cross Train
Just swimming can be quite the workout as it is. Treading water can be even more strenuous, especially if you aren’t used to it. Cross training helps you build and strengthen the muscles you use to tread water. By regularly performing cross training exercises out of the water, you should find that you have the strength and endurance necessary to improve your abilities in the water. Find a good balance between strength training, cardio, and range of motion exercises. All of these aspects of fitness will serve you well as you strive to improve.
Relax
When you get tired while treading water, it’s normal to start getting nervous and tense up. The problem is that doing so means you’re spending energy unnecessarily and will be less efficient in your movements. Try to relax instead. Continue your movements at a calm, regular pace. If you need to be done, allow yourself a respite from your efforts. Pushing yourself further can help you grow, but only if you’re practicing good form and you have enough energy left to get safely back out of the pool.
Practice
At the end of the day, the best thing you can do to improve your ability to tread water and make it easier is to practice. The more you practice treading water, the more ingrained it will become until the movements you make become second nature. As mentioned previously, it’s important to practice correctly and with good form. Remember, practice doesn’t make perfect, it makes permanent. Practice correctly to make sure you’re treading water as optimally as possible and lowering your risk of injury.
Treading water can be tough, but there are things you can do to make it a bit easier on yourself. Cross training, remembering to relax, and practicing regularly are some of the things you can do to help you improve. Over time, you should find that you are able to tread water more efficiently and for longer periods of time, helping you keep yourself safe in the water.
It’s never too late to learn how to swim. Check out our Adult Swimming Lessons to see which class will be best for you.