Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for almost anyone. It burns kilojoules, increases cardiovascular fitness and improves the strength of nearly all of your body’s muscles. It also strengthens the core to build stability. It’s a low-impact exercise that reduces stress on weight-bearing joints, such as the knees and ankles. It’s an ideal choice for people with arthritis, back problems or a history of injury. It’s a fun way to socialise with friends and family, too.
If you’re a beginner, start with floating on your stomach. Then, move onto flutter kicks with your legs. After that, try to swim using the front crawl or freestyle stroke. This is a great stroke for beginners because it’s easy to use, requires minimal movement and is less tiring than other strokes.
The more consistent you are at your swim sessions, the faster you’ll learn. If you can manage two lessons per week, that’s even better because the skills compound on each other. You should also avoid swimming in inclement weather, such as rain, wind or thunder.
Having the ability to swim can save your life or the lives of those around you. Unfortunately, many adults do not know how to swim, often because they have a fear of water. This can be caused by a traumatic experience as a child or an irrational fear of drowning. Whatever the cause, learning to overcome this fear is crucial, as it may save someone you love one day.
There are many health benefits associated with swimming, including:
The heart, lungs and brain all reap the rewards of regular swimming. The repetitive movements of swimming increase blood flow to the brain and boost your mood, helping you feel more alert. It also strengthens the body’s major muscle groups and increases lung capacity. It’s also a low-impact exercise that’s easy on the knees and hips, and reduces stress on the spine and back.
It is also an excellent choice for people with arthritis or other joint pain because it alleviates the pressure on these areas, while still providing a workout. The buoyancy of the water also provides support and reduces the risk of injury for people with muscle or bone conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS).
Like all forms of exercise, swimming helps to release natural endorphins that boost your mood and relieve stress. It can also be a meditative activity, and can help you sleep better at night. You can also make swimming a social activity by joining a pool or squad, and this can be especially helpful for those who have trouble exercising alone. If you’re having trouble overcoming your fear, it is worth speaking to a professional therapist or psychologist who specialises in this area. They can offer advice and techniques to help you overcome your fears. They can also refer you to a swimming coach or instructor if necessary. Ultimately, the key is to keep trying and never give up. With patience and persistence, you will be able to conquer your fears.