When swimming, you will not feel tired as you are releasing endorphins which will prolong your energy and fun whilst in water.

Additionally, water buoyancy will help you feel weightless and thus prolongs the energy you have. After swimming, several factors make you feel tired such as the water temperature, the endorphins wearing off, carrying your whole body weight again as there is no buoyancy, dehydration and the physical workout of swimming.

So why is it that we feel so tired after swimming?

Here are several reasons:

1. All muscle groups are used for swimming

Swimming uses all the muscle groups in our body, so you can imagine that when we are finished swimming, our whole body will be exhausted as it had to use all of our muscles.

However, due to water buoyancy and the water being a moderately cool temperature, our body will not be as exhausted when compared to other cardiovascular exercises.

2. Water will require resistance

When moving in the water, we experience resistance from the water. This will require more strength when trying to move in the water.

3. The temperature of the water

Pool temperatures are often quite cold (between 26°C and 28°C). Whilst in the water, your body will use a lot of energy to maintain your body temperature. Once you get out of the pool, your body will use energy to reheat your body and bring it back to its average temperature again. Maintaining your body temperature is exhausting, and thus you will also feel tired after swimming.

4. Dehydration

Whilst swimming in a pool, it is very easy to forget to stay hydrated. Due to being surrounded by water, you will not think about drinking as much, but this causes dehydration once out of water. Also, even though you might not think so, we sweat a lot when swimming; thus, it is extra important to keep drinking. Dehydration will make you feel very tired once you are done swimming.

5. Nutritional timing

Although it is a common myth that you are not supposed to eat before hopping in the pool, it is actually the opposite. You should eat before swimming as your body will be using all of its muscles, and to give your body the needed energy, eating is essential. Maybe not a whole dinner plate but at least a light snack.

So what can I do not to feel so tired after swimming?

Although you will, either way, feel a tad bit tired after swimming, there are several tricks to minimize the exhaustion after swimming.

1. Stay hydrated

Remember to drink before swimming, during and after swimming!

2. Eat a light snack before swimming

Fuel your body with an easy little snack; whether it be an apple, banana or any other little snack, it will give your body the energy it needs to swim and ultimately will help you not feel as tired. Also, once you are done with swimming, make sure to also eat something to give your body the needed energy it has just used to swim.

3. Control your breathing

Try not to hold your breath whilst swimming. Consistent breathing is recommended; inhale and exhale calmly at an even pace. This will enable rhythmic breathing.

4. Your body and head position

There are several swimming techniques. For most, it is important to keep your head down so that you are looking at the bottom of the pool. For those who swim for fun, your head should be just above the water so that you don’t strain your neck too much; the water will help relax the neck muscles.

5. Stretching before and after

Try and stretch all your major muscle groups before swimming, as these will all be used when swimming. Don´t forget to stretch as well after swimming.

Here are several stretches for before and after swimming:

If you use these tricks, your swimming experience will be less exhausting, and you will feel more energized. Beginning your day with a swim will help you start your day off right and give you a lot of energy throughout the day.

So stay hydrated and stretched, and you will have energy even after swimming! Enjoy!

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