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thedrifter
07-12-08, 07:05 AM
Afternoon free swim helps service members stay fit

7/11/2008 By Lance Cpl. Shawn Dickens , Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO — Marines are known throughout the military as fitness-minded individuals. Marines always strive to get one more sit up or squeeze out one more pull-up. However, there are many other ways to stay in shape that don’t involve packing into a stuffy gym filled with other Marines all trying to use the same equipment.

One way to add variety to your workout routine is to visit the depot swim tank for the lap-swim time. The swim tank is open to service members, their families and civilians with a Department of Defense ID for lap-swim Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

The swim tank measures 25 meters wide and 50 meters long. It varies in depth from four feet deep in the shallow end to 12 feet deep in the deep end. The swim tank is also heated to between 82 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit. During lap swim the pool is divided into four wide lanes.

There is Marine Combat Instructor Water Survival personnel on duty at all times who act as lifeguards during lap swim. The MCIWS personnel can assist patrons with any questions they might have during lap swim and will even offer pointers to those looking to better their swimming techniques.

“If someone needs help, we will be more than happy to assist as long as they give us a heads-up before hand,” said Sgt. Graham Williams, a water survival instructor at the depot swim tank.

Conservative swimming attire or PT gear should be worn during lap swim, according to MCIWS personnel.

While swimming, the body is supported by the water and less stress is therefore placed on joints and bones. Swimming is frequently used as an exercise in rehabilitation after injuries or for those with disabilities.

“I like the pool because it is a good low impact, whole body workout,” said Coast Guard Airman Brian Medina, Coast Guard Sector San Diego. “The pool offers a refreshing way to work out, especially when it is hot outside,”

Swimming is primarily an aerobic exercise due to the long exercise time, requiring a constant oxygen supply to the muscles. As with most aerobic exercise swimming is believed to reduce the harmful effects of stress.

Swimming can improve posture and develop a strong lean physique, often called a “swimmer’s build.” Muscle development depends upon the stroke and distances trained, but avid swimmers typically have well-developed triceps, upper backs, deltoids and quadriceps.

Resistance swimming is one form of swimming exercise. It is done either for training purposes, to hold the swimmer in place for stroke analysis, or to enable swimming in a confined space for athletic or therapeutic reasons. Resistance swimming can be done either against a stream of moving water or by holding the swimmer stationary with elastic attachments.
For those individuals who may be lacking in the aquatic skills department, the shallow end may be used for swimming or water aerobics.

Ellie