The Parallels Between Yoga & Swimming

For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt a deep connection to the water. There’s something uniquely freeing about swimming. It’s like flying without wings, suspended in a world of weightlessness. But in recent years, my relationship with swimming has deepened as I’ve truly immersed myself in the technical aspects of each stroke, refining my form and technique. Through this process, I’ve discovered how intricately swimming and yoga intertwine.

Both yoga and swimming teach us to move with our breath, find peace in our bodies, and trust the rhythm of nature.

Let’s start on the surface and then dive into the deeper layers of these two disciplines. 

Flexibility and Mobility

Swimming requires more than just strength—it demands significant flexibility. Open shoulders allow for full extension and rotation, a supple spine is needed for body roll and undulation, and hip mobility powers a strong kick. Even the quads, knees, and ankles need flexibility to create streamlined propulsion. Years of yoga practice have given me this flexibility, making it easier to adapt to the demands of swimming. Yoga asana not only opens the body but improves proprioception—the awareness of where your body is in space—making these physical transitions feel instinctive in the water.

Core Strength

Core strength is crucial for every stroke in swimming. In freestyle, a stable core helps maintain balance and streamline during the rolling motion. The dolphin kick in butterfly relies on deep core engagement to propel the body forward in a wave-like motion. Even flip turns require strong core muscles to tuck, rotate, and transition smoothly. In yoga, every single asana engages the core—without it, we wouldn’t be able to maintain balance or proper alignment. This consistent core engagement in yoga has strengthened the muscles necessary for swimming, enhancing my streamline and reducing drag in the water. Likewise, the core stability from swimming has helped challenging yoga asanas, especially inversions and balancing postures.

Breath Control

One of the most transformative aspects of swimming for me has been breath control, particularly in how it’s improved my yoga practice. Most would assume it’s the other way around, but swimming has taught me natural breath regulation. Since we can’t inhale underwater, swimming forces us to control the breath more consciously. The quick, sharp inhale before submerging and the need to regulate a long exhale underwater mirrors Pranayama in yoga, where the exhalation is extended longer than the inhale. This rhythm comes naturally in swimming, as the inhale is shorter, and the exhale is slow and controlled. Flip turns also challenge breath retention; after exhaling during the turn, there’s a moment of holding before the next inhale, sharpening my breath control across both disciplines.

Moving Meditation

Much like yoga, swimming is a solitary journey for me. The moment I submerge, a profound silence envelops me, reminiscent of the inner stillness I experience as I raise my arms in the first Surya Namaskar. The repetitive movements in both practices become a form of moving meditation, allowing me to grow physically comfortable and fully immersed in the present moment. Each breath, inhaled, exhaled and retained, becomes an intentional act of mindfulness. This deep focus is why many might dismiss these disciplines as boring; in reality, they invite a rich, contemplative experience that transcends the physical.

In both swimming and yoga, I’ve found a sanctuary—a space where body awareness, breath control, and movement converge into a harmonious practice. Each discipline strengthens the other, offering tools for physical strength, mental clarity, and a deeper connection to the present moment. As I continue to explore these intertwined paths, I appreciate the beauty of their shared essence, celebrating the unique flow they bring to my life.

Upcoming Yoga & Swim Retreat in Varkala with me ✨

October 31 to November 4, 2024

Join me in Varkala for a fun and refreshing yoga and swim retreat that blends movement and meditation in the water! Each workshop will combine grounding yoga sessions with dynamic swimming practices, turning breath work into buoyancy and strength into flow. Whether you're floating, gliding, or mastering freestyle, you'll explore a holistic approach to moving meditation, leaving you feeling relaxed and confident in both your body and the water. Perfect for beginners and those looking to refine their technique!

If you are interested in this retreat, please DM House of Surf for more information: https://www.instagram.com/houseofsurfbytripright/ 

Just keep swimming 🐬