Swimming is a sport with a long history and can be traced back as far as the first century bce in Egypt. It was also practiced in the Assyrian, Greek, and Roman civilizations. It was part of martial training and the elementary education of males. Its popularity began to grow in the nineteenth century and the first swimming organization was formed in London in 1837. By the end of the century, the British capital had six indoor pools with diving boards. By the seventeenth century, swimming had become a mandatory part of education.
Swimmers hold their breath before diving into the water and then alternately lift their arms and legs to move forward. During the dive, they can only breathe out when their head is underwater. They must reach the finish line in a fixed time by touching the wall with both of their hands and feet. Swimming can be done in four styles: backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and freestyle.
Swimming is an excellent way to get cardiovascular exercise and keep fit. It also helps athletes who have been injured to stay in shape. The resistance of water makes muscles work more effectively than when performing a similar task on land. This makes swimming a stress-free, relaxed workout. When swimming in open water, it’s recommended to swim with a friend or partner.
Before swimming, make sure you consult a doctor about your health and fitness level. There are some medical conditions that are more susceptible to the effects of chlorinated water than others. Make sure to seek the advice of a doctor, especially if you have any skin conditions, as he or she will give you specific guidelines.
Swimming is an excellent exercise for a healthy body. It builds strength in the arms and legs and is a great way to stay fit. Swimming also works well for physically handicapped people. In addition to swimming for fitness, swimming is also taught in lifesaving situations. Other activities involving swimming include diving, underwater diving, and water polo.
Swimming has an official governing body, the FINA, which sets the rules for swimming competitions. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognises a total of 32 swimming events for male and female athletes in the summer. The sport is held in 50-meter long-course pools. There are judges on each side of the pool who keep track of the swimming events.
As swimming has become a popular sport, swimming clothing has improved over the years. Today’s swimsuits are made from high-tech materials like silicone and latex. This allows swimmers to move freely in water without exposing too much skin. It also prevents water from getting into the swimmer’s eyes. Swimming suits also improve buoyancy and reduce water resistance. If you’re worried about being seen while swimming, it is advisable to wear a swim cap.