Image size 1600x900. Swimmer doing kickboard drills in a lap pool.

Workout

Weight Loss Kick Swim Workout (1000 yards)

A 1000 yard weight loss kick swim workout that raises effort with low-impact legs work.

1000 yards30 minBeginnerWeight Lossfreestyle
Updated about 1 month agoAWBy Austin Witherow

Workout at a glance

Quick snapshot of the session so you can decide if it fits today.

Distance

1000 yards

Time

30 min

Pool

25 yards

Effort

Easy to Moderate

Who itโ€™s for

  • Swimmers who want low-impact leg work for weight loss.
  • Adults looking for a cardio session without heavy arm fatigue.
  • Triathletes building kick endurance and body position.
  • Anyone who wants a focused kick day with short repeats.

Gear

Must-have

  • Swimsuit
  • Goggles
  • Kickboard

Optional

  • Fins

Introduction

If you searched for a weight loss swim workout with kick focus, you likely want a session that raises effort without heavy upper-body fatigue. This workout is built for beginners who want stronger legs and better body position. Over 1000 yards you will alternate kick sets with short swims so your heart rate stays up while your form stays clean. Keep the kick small and relaxed, and take extra rest if your legs tighten.

Included in these plans

How to use this workout

Focus on relaxed ankles and steady rhythm during the kick sets. The swim sets are a chance to reset posture and breathing. If your legs fatigue quickly, add 10 seconds of rest or cut one kick repeat.

Set breakdown

Set 1

Warm-up

Total 200 yards

1 x 200 yards ยท Rest 30s

Easy swim, relaxed breathing

Effort: Easy (3-4/10)

Set 2

Drill set

Total 100 yards

4 x 25 yards ยท Rest 20s

Side kick drill, balance focus

Effort: Easy (3-4/10)

Modification: Easy freestyle if drills feel awkward.

Bonus: Hold streamline for 3 seconds before kicking.

Set 3

Main set

Total 300 yards

6 x 50 yards ยท Rest 25s

Kick with board, steady pace

Effort: Moderate (5-6/10)

Modification: Do 4 x 50 if you need more rest.

Bonus: Increase kick tempo slightly every two reps.

Set 4

Support set

Total 200 yards

4 x 50 yards ยท Rest 20s

Easy freestyle, reset form

Effort: Easy (3/10)

Modification: Swim 25s instead of 50s if tired.

Bonus: Count strokes and keep them low.

Set 5

Cooldown

Total 200 yards

1 x 200 yards

Easy choice, reset breathing

Effort: Easy (3/10)

Modifications

No kickboard

Kick on your back or side with arms at your sides.

Legs tired

Add 10 seconds rest or reduce the kick reps by two.

Coach notes

Key cues

  • Kick from the hips, not the knees.
  • Keep toes pointed and ankles loose.
  • Maintain a long body line in the water.

Common mistakes

  • Bending the knees too much and splashing.
  • Holding the breath during kick sets.
  • Lifting the head and letting the hips drop.

Coaching tip

Count kicks per length and aim for a smooth, even rhythm.

Common mistakes + quick fixes

  • Stiff ankles: relax the feet and keep the kick small.
  • Overkicking: slow down and focus on rhythm.
  • Short breath: exhale gently the whole length.

FAQs

Do I need a kickboard for this workout?

It helps, but you can kick on your back or side instead.

Should I use fins?

Fins are optional. Use them only if you can keep good form.

How hard should the kick sets feel?

Moderate effort with steady breathing.

My calves get tight. What should I do?

Relax the ankles, shorten the kick, and add rest.

How often should I do kick workouts?

Once per week is enough for beginners.

Get kick-friendly weight loss workouts

Join the Pocket Swimmer list for low-impact sessions that keep effort high without burnout. Weekly workouts and early access included.

This workout is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.