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Types of Swim Strokes

Swimming

Information technology expert Amita Vadlamudi possesses a bachelor’s degree in computer science. She has worked in the IT field for over three decades. In her spare time, Amita Vadlamudi tries to stay in good health and good fitness by swimming.

When it comes to competitive swimming, there are four types of strokes that are used to measure athletic ability: the backstroke, the breaststroke, butterfly stroke, and the freestyle stroke. Together, all four strokes make up the individual medley. The backstroke involves a swimmer laying on his or her back in the water and fluttering their legs while alternating arm movements. Conversely, a breaststroke requires a swimmer to swim on their front side. Creating a heart-shaped pattern, the arms move from the front of the breast and finish on or below the surface of the water.

Of the strokes, the butterfly is considered the most elegant because of its combination of overhead strokes and dolphin kicks that create a ripple or wave effect. The legs remain close together as a swimmer engages in a butterfly stroke.

The final type is the freestyle stroke. As the name states, a swimmer has the option to choose the type of movement he or she would like to use. The crawl stroke is the most commonly chosen freestyle stroke. It involves a simple alternating of the arms and legs.

 

Reasons to Go Swimming

Swimming Pool

Amita Vadlamudi possesses more than 35 years of experience in the information technology field, most recently working as a computer systems engineer. Making exercise a priority, Amita Vadlamudi enjoys swimming for her workouts.

With so many benefits and very few disadvantages, swimming is one of the best forms of exercise out there. Read ahead to learn some of its advantages:

1. Improves cardiovascular health: Swimming offers nearly unparalleled cardiovascular benefits (save for high-intensity running or cycling) if used consistently and with good form.

2. Balances muscles: Swimmers develop longer and leaner muscles compared to the shorter and denser muscles built through weight training.

 3. Good for cross-training: Many hardcore athletes work swimming into their routines as a form of cross-training. Swimming gives the body a break from high-impact activity while still working the muscles effectively.

 4. Core strengthening: Swimming is one of the only activities that engages all the muscles at the same time, resulting in a stronger core.

 5. Flexibility: Swimming in a heated pool relaxes the muscles, priming them for a good stretch. Furthermore, a quick swim after an intense workout flushes out toxins which would otherwise lead to soreness.

 

It is Hiking Time

Hiking in Spring, by Amita Vadlamudi

An information technology professional and computer analyst for over three decades, Amita Vadlamudi has assisted clients with mainframe and system products support. Trained in UNIX and other operating systems, Amita Vadlamudi has installed and maintained various types of programs and drivers, such as Veritas Cluster Software. In her spare time, Amita enjoys hiking.

Hiking does not have to be done in the fall season only. While the sights are most dazzling in the fall when the leaves reach their best shades of yellows, golds and reds, early spring is just as enjoyable to take a stroll through the woods. The woods bathed in bright shades of green are a sight to behold. After the long cold winter, the beautiful canopies of emerging young green leaves give you the sense of renewal and hope. If you are lucky you will be treated to some dogwoods in full bloom bursting with snow whites and pink glories.

Generally the same tips apply to hiking in the spring as they do in the fall. Take enough water and food, wear good hiking shoes, cover most of your body with layers of clothing that protect you from bug bites, sun and weather, and most importantly do not hike alone in unfamiliar places. Spring allergy sufferers should take extra precautions to avoid any allergy attacks while on hikes. Also the spring rains may make the ground soggy and uncomfortable to walk on; avoid hiking until the ground is dry.

While the serious diehard hikers can hike anytime of the year, fall and spring are the best seasons for people who like to hike occasionally for recreation. It is also the best time to expose children to nature by taking them on hikes of easy to moderate level.