Insider's Guide to Swimming: Pool Workout

Not a Fish? Start Here!

A Gallup Poll survey found that 46 percent of American adults are afraid in deep water in pools. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to conquer your fears. These drills will help make you a stronger swimmer and boost your confidence.

1. Practice by kicking in the shallow end of the pool. Start out wearing fins for extra power. Keep your arms extended in front of you, holding a kickboard, and keep your face in the water, looking at the bottom. Turn your body to one side to breathe every few seconds.
2. Once you feel comfortable, try rolling your body to either side every third kick.
3. Take short, quick kicks, generating from the hip. Now add in a freestyle stroke, breathing every third stroke.

Originally published in FITNESS magazine, September 2007.