Swimming

Someone asked me whether it was good to exercise everyday. Of course it is as long as you don't injure yourself.

We need to do cross training to prevent injuries. For instance say if i had been running the last 2-3 days, then I should go for an upper body workout - gym or swimming - as it uses different muscle groups and allows the lower body muscle groups to rest.

I personally swim 40 laps of the Tropicana pool (50 mins) twice a week between my running to cross train my muscles. For instance, freestyle swimming involves mainly strength from the upper body (85%) & little from the lower body (15%). Breaststroke is 60% upper body & 40% lower body.

To prevent injuries, make sure you warm up & stretch before & after. Take enough antioxidants to prevent free radical damage to muscles generated from the workouts.

If you are doing daily aerobic exercise, the best time to replace the carbohydrates back into your muscles is within 60 minutes after your workout as glycogenosis is maximal 30-60 minutes after aerobic exercise. Eat soon after workouts to ensure there is enough glycogen (carbo) for next day's workout.