At first glance, swimming and running appear to be two completely different activities. There are many differences in terms of environmental factors, muscle groups involved, joint pressure, and possible injuries. However, you may wonder if these come hand in hand and if you could combine them in order to boost your stamina. Some professional athletes actually avoid such combinations, for various reasons. 

For competitive runners and amateurs in San Diego, finding a well-furnished gym with a pool is one of the ways to work on their technique and improve their stamina. This is thanks in part to the professional guidance available at such facilities. To find out how to properly include swimming in order to improve your running performance, continue reading!

Is swimming bad for runners?

Contrary to some beliefs, swimming is in no way bad for runners. It can actually be quite beneficial if it’s properly included in the training regimen. This is how swimming can improve your running performance:  

It is a great way to cross-train

Cross-training is important for all athletes, but it is especially important for runners. This is because running puts a lot of stress on your body and can lead to overuse injuries. By cross-training, you give your body a chance to recover from the impact of running while still getting a great workout. Swimming is a low-impact activity that provides an excellent workout without putting too much stress on your body. It’s also known as a relaxing activity that’s beneficial for mental health. 

It can improve your cardiovascular fitness

One of the most important factors in running performance is cardiovascular fitness. This is because running is a aerobic activity, meaning that it requires oxygen to fuel your muscles. The more fit you are, the better your body will be at using oxygen to fuel your muscles.

It can boost your endurance and aerobic capacity

Both of these are important for runners. Endurance is the ability to maintain a certain level of activity for a long period of time. Aerobic capacity is the amount of oxygen that your body can use during exercise. Swimming is an excellent way to improve both of these things.

It can help you grow stronger and energize you

Both of these are important for runners. Stronger muscles can help you run faster and longer. More powerful muscles can help you run up hills and overcome other obstacles. Swimming is a great way to build both strength and power, especially if you swim regularly and use proper strokes.

How often should a runner swim?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including your goals, your schedule, and your level of fitness. If you’re just starting out, you may want to swim once or twice a week. As you get more fit, you can increase the frequency of your swimming workouts. \

The best combination recommended by professionals is to run for four days a week and swim for three days, including enough rest when needed. Also, don’t forget to moderate your intensity, which would allow you to swim throughout the year. If you’re training for a specific event, you’ll need to swim more often. Consult with a coach or trainer to figure out how often you should swim.

Which swimming stroke is best for runners?

The best swimming stroke for runners is freestyle, also known as front crawl. This is because it uses both the upper and lower body muscles, which helps to build strength and power. It also helps to improve cardiovascular fitness and aerobic capacity. This also helps runners with leg coordination and can heart rate regulation. 

If you’re just starting out, you may want to try a different stroke, such as breaststroke or backstroke. As you get more fit, you can transition to freestyle.

Where in San Diego, CA can I enroll in a well-equipped gym with a pool?

If you’re looking for a great way to improve your running performance, consider enrolling at the Plunge in San Diego! We offer many amenities and training opportunities that can be easily incorporated into your running regimen. We’re located within the well-known Mission Bay Water Park, where you can also enjoy a number of other activites within one of the most beautiful environments in South California. 

You can consult with one of our coaches to pick the best workout routine to improve your swimming, achieve your athletic goals, or help you remain healthy as you age. Give us a call today and check our membership options!