Whether you have just invested in a Hydropool Self-Cleaning Swim Spa or you are still doing swim spa research, you might be wondering: which swim stroke is best for me? A swim spa is an incredible training tool, but in order to best utilise it, you may want to consider swimming styles and the benefits of certain swim strokes over others. The beauty of our Hydropool swim spa lies in its continuous current, allowing you to swim endlessly without turning. This unique feature makes it ideal for perfecting your technique, building endurance, and getting a fantastic full-body workout, no matter your preferred stroke.
Let's dive into some popular options and help you decide which one is right for you!
Why Front Crawl is great for your Hydropool Swim Spa: Freestyle is often considered the fastest and most efficient stroke, making it a fantastic choice for building cardiovascular endurance and overall strength in your Hydropool. The consistent current allows you to focus purely on your technique – your arm pull, body rotation, and kick – without the interruption of flip turns. When using a Trainer model swim spa, the different adjustable levels of swimming can work as a marker for progress. You may work your way up from level 4 to 6, or even higher, concretely showing your speed progression as you get faster.
Benefits of Front Crawl in a Swim Spa:
Front Crawl is ideal for swimmers looking for a vigorous workout, improving speed, and refining their competitive swimming technique.
Why breaststroke is great for your Hydropool Swim Spa: Breaststroke is known for its distinct frog-like kick and simultaneous arm pull. While often slower than freestyle, it's a superb stroke for developing leg strength and improving coordination. It is a deceptive swim stroke, in that it looks easy but can be difficult to master properly. Swimming Breaststroke at higher continuous speeds is perfect for building endurance, and can be great for fat burning. The Hydropool's current allows you to practice the timing and glide of this stroke with precision.
Benefits of Breaststroke in a Swim Spa:
Breaststroke is ideal for swimmers focusing on leg strength, improving coordination, or those seeking a less intense but still effective workout.
Why Backstroke is great for your Hydropool Swim Spa: Swimming on your back in a Hydropool can be a surprisingly refreshing experience. It works different muscle groups than freestyle and breaststroke, particularly focusing on your back and shoulders. The continuous current helps you maintain a straight line and focus on your rotation. With the addition of a buoyancy jet, you don’t have to worry about dipping under the water, focusing on form instead. And if your spa is outdoors, you can enjoy cloud gazing.
Benefits of Backstroke in a Swim Spa:
Backstroke is ideal for swimmers looking to strengthen their back and shoulders, improve posture, or those who prefer swimming on their back to catch the clouds.
Why Butterfly is great for your Hydropool Swim Spa: The butterfly is the most demanding of the four competitive strokes, renowned for its power and grace. While challenging, the Hydropool's current provides a consistent resistance that is invaluable for building the explosive power and rhythm required for this stroke. The ample space of a swim spa allows training the butterfly stroke with ease. You may want to have an outdoor swim spa if this is your stroke of choice, if only to save your floors from the splash zone!
Benefits of Butterfly in a Swim Spa:
Butterfly is the ideal stroke for experienced and strong swimmers seeking a high-intensity, full-body challenge and those looking to truly push their limits.
Although I am possibly the number one Breaststroke fan, I don’t underestimate the power of variety in my swim training. Incorporating different strokes like backstroke, front crawl, and even butterfly doesn't just make sessions more engaging; it actively builds a more balanced and resilient swimmer. Each stroke targets different muscle groups, improving overall strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance, while also helping to prevent overuse injuries that can arise from repetitive motion. I won’t say that I’m great at Butterfly (or even remotely good), but it doesn’t mean I don’t try for the sake of variety!
Beyond varying your strokes, drills are essential for refining your technique. These focused exercises break down complex movements into manageable parts, allowing you to isolate and improve specific aspects of your stroke – from your catch and pull to your body position and kick. These can be easily achieved in a swim spa, all you need is a pull buoy and kickboard. The buoyancy jet turned on can also aid you.
By consistently integrating stroke variety and purposeful drills, you'll not only enhance your efficiency and speed, but also develop a deeper "feel" for the water, turning every swim into a more skilled and satisfying experience.
No matter your fitness level or swimming goals, a Hydropool Self-Cleaning Swim Spa offers the perfect environment to explore and master various swim strokes. Experiment with different styles, focus on your technique, and enjoy the unparalleled benefits of aquatic exercise.
Not sure which stroke to start with? Begin with what feels most comfortable and gradually introduce others. Remember, the goal is to enjoy your swim and make the most of your incredible Hydropool investment!
Ready to explore the world of Hydropool Self-Cleaning Swim Spas? Contact us today to learn more about our range and find the perfect swim spa for your home in Ashton-under-Lyne and the surrounding Greater Manchester area!
Want to try a swim spa for yourself? Book a free swim test to paddle before you purchase.