Whether you’re swimming laps at the local pool, splashing around in a lake, or swimming in the ocean, there is a sense of freedom and joy that comes with this incredible exercise. Not only is it a total body workout, but it also has the added benefit of improving mental health by increasing blood flow and oxygen to the brain, which in turn helps improve memory. Swimming is a great choice for people of all ages, fitness levels, and even those with injuries or long-term illnesses.
If you are new to swimming, it’s best to start off slow. Begin by getting into the shallow end of the pool and slowly submerge yourself, getting used to water touching your face and even dipping your head underwater if you’re comfortable doing it. After you get more accustomed to the feel of the water, begin to practice floating and kicking. You can also hold onto the pool edge to help you stay afloat. If you’re feeling brave, try blowing bubbles in the water or trying to lift your feet off of the pool floor.
Once you’ve become a little more comfortable with the water, start to learn some basic strokes. Freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly are all good choices for beginners as they’re easy to master and do not require much kicking. When you’re learning, be sure to keep your breath as regular as possible and exhale through the mouth (not the nose).
As with any exercise, it takes some time to build up endurance. However, many swimmers report that once they get in the habit of it, they’re amazed at how quickly their stamina builds up and how much easier it is to maintain a healthy lifestyle with swimming than they originally thought.
Unlike other forms of exercise, which work specific muscle groups, swimming works all major muscle groups as you move your body through the water. This full-body workout is great for strengthening and toning your entire body, but it’s also fantastic for your heart and lungs. In fact, people who swim regularly have a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease than those who don’t.
While any swimming is good, if you’re serious about your training, it’s recommended that you find a coach to guide and support you. They will be able to help you with technique, breathing, and endurance building, and they’ll be able to make sure your form is good so that you can get the most out of your exercise routine.
If you don’t already have a personal coach, try searching online for swim coaches in your area. You can also find local swimming clubs or squads, where you can meet other swimmers and participate in group activities like drills and training sessions. If you’re unable to join a club or team, you can always use swimming videos to help build your skills at home. You should also consider using fins to increase your speed and work on your leg strength and ankle flexibility while you swim. Fins are like flippers that fit on the bottom of your feet and give you more power while you kick, and they come in both long and short styles.