Swimming is a fun, low-impact way to keep your heart strong and sharp. And it can even be a great stress reliever! The sport of swimming includes recreational activities like leisure and water polo, lifesaving and rescue activities, and competitive sports such as racing and diving. Swimming is also a popular exercise for people with physical disabilities, since it offers resistance and support while being easy on the joints.
If you want to make a serious impact on your health, consider taking swimming lessons and practice regularly. Learning anything new takes time, but consistency will speed up the process as you build skills on top of each other. Taking two swim lessons per week, for example, will help you advance at a much faster pace than someone who only takes one lesson each week.
Many public pools and aquatic centers offer swimming lessons for kids and adults alike, so finding the right place to get started is easy. Some of these classes are led by a coach who will instruct participants on proper technique and provide motivation for the group. Some facilities may also have a lane manager who oversees the swim program and communicates workouts to swimmers. Pace clocks—analog or digital displays that show minutes and seconds—are often used to track progress during swim sets.
A swimmer’s posture and head placement are key to performing a stroke correctly. When a swimmer isn’t aligned with their head, they can lose proper form and slow down. In addition to good positioning, it’s important that a swimmer swims relaxed and with good form to maximize their strength and efficiency.
While the front crawl and freestyle are common strokes, some swimmers prefer to use the backstroke for a more natural and graceful stroke. This requires a bit of practice, but it’s a great way to work on core strength and shoulder stability.
Some swimmers add hand weights to their equipment, which helps increase the resistance of the water. This can be helpful to beginners who are trying to improve their strokes, or for more experienced swimmers who want to challenge themselves by increasing their distance.
It’s important to drink plenty of water while swimming, as this will help keep you hydrated and energized for your workout. Swimming can also be hot, so it’s a good idea to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and avoid going outside during the hottest parts of the day. And don’t forget to take regular breaks to stay hydrated and prevent heat exhaustion. It’s always a good idea to bring a waterproof cellphone with you when you go for a swim, in case your phone accidentally falls into the water! You can also buy a waterproof pouch for your smartphone to keep it safe while you’re swimming. This is an inexpensive and convenient option for anyone who frequently swims laps in the pool. It’s available in most sports stores and online.