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Chlorine Chronicle (Archive)

Coaches Lane

The first local meet is coming up next month and an important part of that is the warm-up before the races start.

The benefits of the warm-up include the following:

• It increases body temperature and pulse rate. This dilates the blood vessels in the muscles, which takes the body from the "resting state" to the physical level needed to race.
• It loosens the muscles and increases flexibility.
• It familiarizes the swimmer with the pool conditions in which the race will take place.
• The swimmer gets into a stroke pattern and feels out the needed pace for the race.
• Muscle fatigue occurs later in the race after a proper warm-up.
• A muscle that is warmed up and stretched is less likely to suffer an injury.
• Warm-up gives a sense of well being.

After warming up a swimmer should stay warm and wear dry clothing. Just before the race starts the swimmer should stand up and become active by walking around and doing light stretching exercises.