Swimming is a fun, safe activity that improves physical fitness and mental health. It can also help relieve arthritis pain and decrease disability in seniors. However, learning to swim can be a bit intimidating, especially when it comes to the terminology, pool etiquette, and technique. Fortunately, you can avoid the stress of beginning this exciting activity by pursuing lessons from an expert in swimming.
Once your child has developed enough coordination and comfort in the water, they can start enrolling in formal swimming lessons. At this stage, parents should still practice “reach supervision” and be in close proximity to the swimmer at all times. Swimming is a high-intensity activity, so it’s important to gradually increase the intensity and frequency of your child’s training over time.
Before you enroll in lessons, research different programs to find the best fit for your family. Choose a program that provides lessons for students of all skill levels and offers a free trial class. This way, you can be sure that your child will enjoy the class before making a financial commitment.
Aside from the benefits of improving one’s overall well-being, swimming can be a great way to lose weight and maintain a healthy body composition. In addition, it has been found to alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety. The calming effects of the water and the sense of accomplishment that comes with mastering a new skill are just two of the many reasons why so many people love this sport.
The most common strokes in swimming are the front crawl, backstroke, and breaststroke. These strokes are used for recreational, competitive, and rescue purposes. There are other strokes that use only the arms or legs, such as a dolphin-like crawl, and can be useful for amputees and those who are disabled.
One of the most difficult parts of learning a new stroke is perfecting your head position. During the freestyle stroke, your head should be flat in the water with the eyes focused toward the bottom of the pool. It’s important to keep the head and neck in a neutral position to prevent it from becoming fatigued or sore.
Another crucial aspect of the freestyle stroke is a smooth, controlled catch. The ideal stroke allows the hand to enter just below your face and stay at a 90-degree angle from your head. This minimizes resistance and maximizes the power of each pull. Additionally, it’s important to spread your fingers rather than keeping them clamped together during the catch; spreading the fingers can help you exert up to 53% more force.
As a member of a swim team, it’s important to set a positive example for your teammates. Encourage and celebrate your friends’ achievements, and always be respectful of others’ opinions. If you notice a flaw in someone’s technique, it’s generally best to privately mention it to a coach so they can pass along corrective tips to the swimmer.