Freestyle is often favored by many swimmers and is the first stroke taught to beginners. Mix up your workouts and improve your freestyle by incorporating a few laps of backstroke into your regime. Freestyle and backstroke are perfect complements to each other, working opposite muscle groups.

What are the benefits of backstroke?

The backstroke provides you with a whole-body workout that's especially beneficial to the latissimus dorsi muscle (also known as the “lats”) in your back. It also works out your chest, arms, legs, glutes and core. Consistent swimming on your back will help these major muscle groups grow stronger.

Is backstroke easier than freestyle?

2. Backstroke. Essentially the upside-down counterpart to freestyle, backstroke is another easy swimming stroke to master that's popular among swimmers of all ability levels, says Russell. Plus, it also comes in handy when you "really want to strengthen your abs and back muscles," she adds.