Jennifer is not just a fan of running. She also reportedly loves to swim. “Three times a week, she swims freestyle for 20-40 minutes,” a source (from OK! Magazine) said. “She loves that swimming is low-impact and meditative.”
Swimming is great because the buoyancy of the water brings the impact off of your joints, and eliminates the fear of overuse injuries or falling injuries. Swimming also provides a unique workout because each kick and stroke forms a concentric contraction (muscle shortens while tension increases) making it a very effective (and very tiring!) form of cardio. Because little to no eccentric contractions (muscle lengthens while tensions increases…where most strength gains are achieved) are involved, swimmers tend to have very elongated muscles, rather than bulky muscles. What is also wonderful is that swimming utilizes both your arms and your legs (which can up your caloric burn anywhere from 9-50%). If you want to mimic Jennifer Aniston’s swimming workout above, just hop in the pool for 20-40 minutes and keep moving. For those who like a bit more structure, here is a great swimming workout:
WARM UP: Hop in the pool and allow your body to get used to the temperature by moving around slowly at first and then eventually swimming breast stroke laps at a very comfortable pace (8 minutes total)
WORKOUT: Swim breast stroke laps for 5 minutes, followed by 5 minutes of treading water
Repeat this cycle twice (for a total of 20 minutes)
After 20 minutes is over, grab the side of the pool and kick as hard as you can for 1 minute
Follow up with 5 minutes of dolphin strokes
COOL DOWN: Swim breast stroke laps at a very light and comfortable pace for 10 minutes
