by POPSUGAR Fitness 2

Cold, short days move many workouts indoors and I often head to the pool for a cardio workout. Intervals are not just for running; they are great to add into your swim workouts too. There are some kickboard sprints to focus on toning the legs.

Here's a workout for you to try:

Warm up:
100 yrds Freestyle - easy
50 yrds kick Freestyle
50 yrds kick Backstroke
50 yrds kick Breaststroke
100 yrds pull* Freestyle

The Main Event:
200 yrds Freestyle

Sprints
8 x 25 yrds alternating Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke and Butterfly***
(rest :10)**

200 yards Freestyle

Kick Sprints
4 x 25 yrds Freestyle kickboard sprint
(rest :20)
4 x 25 yrds Breaststroke
(rest :20)

Cool Down:
50 Backstroke
50 pull Freestyle
100 Freestyle - easy

* Pull: Hold a buoy with your legs and use only your arms to swim
** Rest the listed amount between reps/laps
***If you don't swim Butterfly, substitute Freestyle

This workout is 1350 yards, or about .82 miles (a swimmer's mile is 1500 meters, or roughly 1650 yards - 66 lengths in a 25 yard pool).

Fit's Tips: If you are new to swimming check out this beginner's program to get you from sitting on the side of the pool to swimming a mile.

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