Swimmers have always enjoyed the waters, not just because of its calming effect or the relaxing effect to the body, but more so because it allows them to enjoy different moves and glides and strokes that people can't easily enjoy while on land. There have been several swimming strokes - breaststroke, freestyle, sidestroke, crawl, dog paddle, backstroke, and butterfly swimming strokes - discovered and mastered to increase speed, to mold the body, or to enjoy the water, but one thing for sure, these swimming strokes have all been developed to enhance one's agility and mobility in the water.



One of the best strokes that allows swimmers to experience a whole body workout and at the same time improve swimming speed is the butterfly swimming stroke, but this is also considered as the most difficult, tiring, and strenuous stroke because of the upper and lower body movements required to perform the stroke. Although, it looks energy consuming and hard to do, it also looks very beautiful and graceful if done perfectly. What makes this a difficult but elegant stroke is because of the combination of the butterfly hands and dolphin kick - synchronous arm and leg movements - if properly and correctly followed, it makes this stroke effective and less energy burning. Strict observance to the techniques and movements must always be considered, because of the less breathing time and chance it allows but more straining arm and leg movements.

The butterfly swimming stroke is done on a prone position - swum on the breast, both arms moving together by pulling, pushing, and recovering, both legs synchronically doing a dolphin kick, and the body making a wave-like motion. If the butterfly swimming stroke is rightly done, the swimmer would be in a smooth and gliding movement, however, it takes much practice, effort, and learning to master and perfect this stroke. Even professional and expert swimmers have to exercise the regular breathing method, arm and leg movement, and body flow, in order to have the feeling of oneness and fluidity in the water. Unlike the other strokes, which can still be swum even if mistakenly done, the butterfly swimming stroke is a style that does't allow any flaws. So, to correctly swim this, beginners should practice one movement after another until every move is good, and try synchronizing all movements into one stroke. It really is difficult but once done, it would feel great.

The key in doing the butterfly swimming style is to be one with the body, one with the water, and one with the air - and you'll surely speed it out.