Swim strokes and which part of the body they work and tone

Question
Hi Jessica,

I've been planning on swimming to tone up my body, but I'm slightly afraid of bulking up. Is it true that swimming tones the body, and does not bulk it up?

Also, would you be able to recommend me specific swim styles/strokes that would enable me to tone the thighs and calves plase? May I know which stokes tone and work on which parts of the body?

I'm also unsure as to how long my swim workouts should last for. Could you please advise me on that? Thank you so much for your help! :)

Ellie

Answer
Hello Ellie,
ok so it seems like you want the basic gist of swimming to get in shape; well, 1st off you will not bulk up I promise. Swimming naturally tones and strengthens but you definitely wont have anyone asking you if you've taken a couple steroids. Moving on I would suggest freestyle for you with some light breaststroke. freestyle works about every portion of the body while elongating the spine...breaststroke will help the flexibility in your hip flexor.. and they both work thighs and calves as well as arms and chest. I good beginner swim workout would consist of stretching and about a 45 to 75 minute practice time. try working in some kick board yardage to put extra emphasis on you legs muscles. As far as exactly what muscles get worked with each stroke I would suggest looking up muscles using during breast stroke for example because there are several swim sites that have charts for each stroke that I use to use for coaching reference. If you need any help with any other aspects of your workouts feel free to ask.
-Jessica