Thursday, August 16, 2007
The sport
If swimming laps sounds too tedious, or you think participating in water aerobics will qualify you for a senior citizen discount, synchronized swimming may be the water sport for you. Performing the water routines requires strength, flexibility and aerobic endurance says Victoria Downey, graduate student and coach of a Kansas City synchronized swimming team. It also can serve as an outlet for creativity.
The history
The sport, which was originally known as water ballet, emerged first in Canada in the 1920s. In the next decade, synchronized swimming made its way to the United States and gained acclaim and popularity when Esther Williams—a movie star and a competitive swimmer—starred in a number of musical films that emphasized water performances. At the Olympic Games from 1948 to 1968, synchronized swimming developed as an exhibition sport. And in 1984 it unveiled as a full medal sport available only for women.
The rules
Swimmers perform a technical and a free, more artistic routine, neither lasting for more than five minutes and during which touching the bottom or side of the pool is prohibited. You can swim it alone, with a partner, a trio, a team of eight or with the recent arrival of the combo event to the sport, up to 10 swimmers can execute one routine.
The workout
Downey says performing a routine in the water is truly a full-body workout. To keep the upper half of their bodies above water, synchronized swimmers employ the egg beater kick. This spiraling motion of arms and legs exercises quads and calves. Swimmers form a support skull, moving their arms in order to keep the lower half of their bodies above the water. This is a great workout for biceps and triceps, Downey says.
Source: www.olympic.org
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