To be a successful swimmer, one needs a unique formula of strength and flexibility. The act of ‘early application of force’ becomes the key in many occasions.  Ease and fluidity stems from coordination of muscles, breath, and body allowing the focus of energy in the right places instead of being expended it unnecessarily. Yoga can help to develop this coordination.

Body Intelligence

·          It is a known fact that to get more distance for every stroke a swimmer does not use arms and legs alone. The muscles of the arms and legs are connected to the core body muscles. Heightened awareness developed as a result of yoga will allow the swimmer to maintain this connection, helping to improve strokes per distance ratio.

 Muscle Development 

·          A specific alignment of muscle fibers allows for optimal efficiency. In yoga strength is not seen as a function of  muscle bulk, it is a consequence of the consolidation and concerted, coordinated effort of the individual fibers within the muscle, an attribute which will aid the swimmers to achieve the ‘early application of force’.Consistent practice of yoga yields muscles that are both lengthened and strong with less fibrotic (scar) tissue than what commonly develops as a result of weight training with its often insufficient focus on stretching. 

Triumph Over Fatigue

·          Mentally the swimmer must be able to focus on the task at hand, have tremendous confidence, be able to stay calm and have flexibility to adapt to various challenges. .Regular yoga practice relieves muscle tension and joint restriction while  Pranayama (yogic breathing) slows respiration and normalizes the breath. This engages the parasympathetic nervous system, a complex biological mechanism that calms and soothes us.