Taylor Acheson | How Swimming Rebalances Your Body for Better Movement
Taylor Acheson
Maintaining good posture and flexibility is essential for both athletic performance and everyday movement, yet many people struggle with tight muscles and poor alignment. Taylor Acheson has long believed that swimming is one of the best ways to correct these issues. Unlike other forms of exercise that can create muscle imbalances, swimming strengthens postural muscles while simultaneously improving flexibility.
One of the most significant benefits of swimming is its ability to reinforce core stability. Every stroke requires a strong, engaged core to maintain balance in the water, which helps develop the deep muscles that support the spine. Freestyle and backstroke, in particular, train swimmers to keep a long, neutral spine position, which translates to better posture outside the pool. Over time, this core engagement reduces slouching and improves overall alignment.
Flexibility is another area where swimming excels. Water provides a low-impact environment that allows joints to move freely, encouraging a greater range of motion. The rhythmic stretching of freestyle and butterfly strokes promotes shoulder flexibility, while breaststroke emphasizes hip and knee mobility. Taylor often advises swimmers to incorporate long, controlled movements in their training to maximize flexibility benefits.
Swimming also helps correct muscle imbalances that contribute to poor posture. Many land-based workouts, like weightlifting or running, emphasize certain muscle groups while neglecting others. Because swimming evenly distributes effort across the entire body, it encourages balanced muscle development. This can help prevent or reverse issues like tight hip flexors, rounded shoulders, and lower back strain.
For Taylor, swimming is more than just a great workout—it’s full-body movement therapy. Whether someone wants to improve their posture, increase flexibility, or simply move with more ease, swimming offers a highly effective and low-impact solution. By incorporating regular swim sessions, anyone can build a stronger, more aligned body.