If you know how to swim, chances are you’ve used a kickboard at one time or another. These helpful devices are often used as a learning tool during swimming lessons. They’re even useful if you just want an effective leg-focused exercise! Today, let’s talk about swimming with a kickboard!
Change Up Your Exercise Routine By Swimming with a Kickboard
While running can help to strengthen your legs, it can play havoc with your joints. If you want a more leg-targeted low-impact exercise, consider swimming with a kickboard. As we’ve said in the past, swimming is a nearly perfect healthy exercise. It works multiple muscle groups at once, and it is great for your cardiovascular health. Additionally, it burns calories and, unlike running, is quite easy on your joints.
As you can probably guess, a kickboard is great for working those legs. Also, having stronger legs will make you a better swimmer. Focusing on your legs by swimming with a kickboard also gives your shoulders some much-needed rest. For far too many amateur swimmers, their arms and shoulders do the brunt of the work, pulling and forcing the body through the water. When swimming with a kickboard, your legs are forced to do their fair share. Powerful, fast legs mean you’ll be able to cut through the water much more quickly and efficiently.
For one more benefit, kickboards are great for swimmers who struggle with their breathing. Your head will always be kept above the water. That’s great because it keeps you breathing regularly without causing you to have to turn and twist in the water.
Warnings About Kickboards
As great as swimming with a kickboard can be, it does have a few downsides.
Protect Your Neck
First, while a kickboard will keep your head above water, it will rarely promote a healthy head position. After a while, this can cause your neck to stiffen or seize. Above all, it is crucial to maintain proper swimming form. For more information, ask your swimming instructor or a lifeguard. Learning from a professional instructor is the best way to stay safe and promote proper swimming posture.
Don’t Rely on a Kickboard as a Floatation Device
A kickboard is great for exercise, but remember that, like a pool noodle, these items are not a proper floatation device. In a dangerous situation, relying solely on a kickboard can lead to drowning. Instead, always rely on U.S. Coast Guard Certified Life Jackets as your floatation device. These proper safety devices are designed to keep you afloat and out of harm’s way. You can read more in this dedicated blog post about life jackets and buoyancy vests.
Be Careful With That Kick
As we mentioned, swimming with a kickboard can really improve your leg strength. Of course, with great power comes great responsibility. While you’re kicking through the water, be sure no one is too close to you. You might accidentally kick them in the head and cause a serious accident. That goes double for young children. Before you start off, be sure to check your surroundings.
