Swimming is one of the most popular and accessible forms of exercise, ranging from casual splashes on a hot summer day to the high-flying, fast-paced thrill of competing in an Olympic event. Its low-impact, high-reward nature makes it a great activity for people of all ages and fitness levels to get involved with.
The health benefits of swimming are many and varied, with research showing it can help with weight loss, strengthening muscles and bones, improving cardiovascular fitness, reducing the risk of heart disease and even helping with depression and anxiety. It’s also a great way to reconnect with the outdoors, especially if you swim in natural settings like oceans and rivers.
There are lots of different ways to get started with swimming, and a good place to start is by taking lessons at a local pool. This is especially important if you’re a beginner or have any special health considerations (disability/impairment, heart condition, need for medication during your swim, etc).
Aside from building water confidence, learning how to properly breathe in the water will help you keep afloat and reduce the risk of cramping and exhaustion. Try breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth, and be sure to exhale on the stroke as you push through the water.
It’s also a good idea to mix up your strokes to give your body a break and work different areas of the body. Adding in some breaststroke or backstroke swimming can help you build endurance and work on different parts of your technique.
Putting your face in the water can be a scary thing, especially for beginners. But it’s actually a pretty easy task and one that you can work up to as a swimmer. Once you’ve got it down, it can really improve your overall stroke and workout.
The backstroke is a beautiful, flowing, yet powerful stroke that works the entire body. It requires a lot of core strength to keep your balance and posture in check, but once you’ve mastered the motion it’s a great way to get in some laps without focusing too much on your arms.
The front crawl is the most common and well-known form of swimming, but it’s a good idea to try other options too, such as the breaststroke or freestyle. Having a variety of strokes can make swimming more fun, improve your overall fitness and also help you if you’re training for an event, as it will require a different type of endurance than, say, a long-distance race. Swimming is a great social activity, whether through organised classes or clubs, competitive teams or just hanging out with friends. This can lead to improved mood and reduced stress, and can help you develop a sense of belonging with the community. Whether it’s taking in the stunning scenery of a coastal beach, diving deep underwater or gliding along the lava formations of an extinct volcanic crater, there are so many gorgeous wild places to swim around the world.