Swimming is a popular and often rewarding form of exercise that provides a variety of health benefits. It can be used as a leisure activity, as a rehabilitation therapy following an injury or as a workout to improve heart and muscle health.
Benefits of swimming aren’t just limited to the physical, though – it can also help you relax, de-stress and improve your mental wellbeing too! Regular swimmers report a positive mood and heightened energy levels, which may have something to do with the release of serotonin.
Here are some ways to get more swimming into your life:
1. Make it a part of your regular routine.
When you set aside a few hours each week to swim, it’s easier to remember to do it and you can look forward to it. This can help reduce decisions and anxiety, as well as increase your motivation to train and achieve your goals.
2. Practice different strokes every time you go swimming to keep your mind and body engaged.
The most important thing when learning a new stroke is to focus on perfecting your technique. This can be hard at times, especially when you are frustrated by your progress. But by keeping a steady pace and practicing with an instructor or coach, you will learn the proper technique and avoid wasting time with bad habits that don’t serve you well in the water.
3. Use fins whenever possible to provide additional propulsion and improve your stroke technique.
Fins can be helpful when learning any of the four strokes and will provide additional propulsion for your arms and legs as you move through the water. They are particularly useful when learning freestyle, which requires more propulsion than backstroke or breaststroke.
4. Try to clear your mouth and nose while in the water as this will help you maintain conscious control of your breath.
5. Breathe deeply and slowly when you are swimming.
This is important to ensure your body remains relaxed and hydrated, as breathing too quickly can cause you to drown. When you are starting out, it’s best to take a few minutes to breathe deeply and slowly each time before beginning your stroke.
6. Don’t panic if you find yourself in a pool full of people.
When it comes to swim races, there are often plenty of other swimmers in the lane, so it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and how to behave safely around them. If you are unsure of what to do, it’s best to ask a friend or your instructor for assistance.
7. Try a flutter kick to get your feet moving.
The flutter kick is a great way to improve your swimming speed and is an effective means of improving your leg strength. You’ll need to practice this regularly as it’s a very difficult stroke to master, but the results are worth it!
You’ll have a much easier time overcoming any fear of swimming when you know you are in safe and comfortable surroundings. Then you can focus on perfecting your technique and getting faster.