Swimming is a full-body exercise that burns calories, strengthens muscles and builds cardiovascular endurance. It is also a great way to relax, reduce stress and relieve tension in the body. However, most adults never learn to swim or have a fear of water which limits their ability to enjoy the benefits of this activity. If you want to learn how to swim or improve your skills, check out your local pool for beginner classes. You may also want to consider pool fitness classes such as aquafit and water aerobics, which offer similar health benefits to swimming.
If you’re not confident in the water, start out in shallow areas where you can stand comfortably with your feet firmly planted on the bottom. You can then begin to spend more time in the water and experiment with different strokes. It’s important to remember that learning something new takes time and consistent practice. Be patient and make a habit of going to your lessons and spending time on your own practicing between sessions.
Strengthens the Arms, Legs and Core
Swimming involves the entire body as you move through the water against resistance. You’ll need to engage your arms for most strokes and your legs to propel yourself through the water. Swimming can even strengthen your back, and you can use hand-held paddles or a kickboard for extra support in the water if needed.
It’s a Low-Impact Form of Exercise
Since the water offers buoyancy, your body is supported and any excess pressure is taken off your joints. This makes it a great option for people who have joint issues or are recovering from injuries. Studies have shown that individuals who regularly engage in low-impact activities such as swimming and cycling experience less pain than those who do not exercise.
Improves Sleep: The stress-relieving effects of swimming are well documented and can help improve your sleep at night. Additionally, the constant movement of the arms and legs while swimming expends energy, helping you to fall asleep at a reasonable hour.
Meets New People: Group swim classes are a great way to meet people and socialize while getting fit! You can find one-on-one swim instructors to teach you the basics, or you can attend a class with other swimmers of all abilities. Some swimming clubs even have regular social events for their members.
Boosts Confidence: Learning to swim can be an extremely satisfying accomplishment. It’s not only a good skill to have for life, but it can give you the confidence to try other challenges like snorkeling or crossing a lake or ocean on your next vacation.
If you have a fear of the water, be sure to seek help from a professional, and always be safe in the water. With proper preparation and practice, you can learn to swim at any age. It’s never too late to get in the water and discover all the benefits of this amazing activity. So, what are you waiting for?