Swimming is a sport that involves the propulsion of your body through water using your arms. It is one of the most popular sports in the world and a great way to exercise as it helps your body build muscle, strengthen the cardiovascular system and improves your breathing.
It is also very beneficial for your brain, as research shows that submerging yourself in the water can boost blood flow to your brain and improve your memory and concentration. This is because it can increase the supply of glucose, oxygen and nutrients to your brain.
If you’re new to swimming, it is a good idea to start with the shallow end of the pool and practice holding your breath while your head is underwater. This will help you to overcome your fear and get comfortable with the idea that you can come up for air at any time.
Once you’ve learned to hold your breath while under the surface of the water, it’s time to move on to the next step of learning how to swim. You’ll want to focus on the strokes that allow you to breathe easily – sidestroke, front crawl or breaststroke will all give you plenty of room to breathe.
Another helpful tip is to use fins. This will enable you to move forward quickly and it can be especially useful when you’re learning freestyle, which requires a lot of forward movement in the water.
There are a number of different types of fins on the market, and it’s important to find one that is comfortable for you. If you’re not sure which type is best for you, talk to the swimming instructors at your local pool about what they recommend.
Try to make swimming a part of your weekly routine, whether you’re training for a swim meet or simply taking a few laps each week. Having a set time every week can mean less decision-making and more focused practice, which is the fastest way to progress.
Take lessons from a qualified teacher who specialises in teaching the type of swimming you are interested in. This will ensure that you learn all the basics of swimming and avoid developing bad habits that will hinder your progression.
It’s also a good idea to join a swim club or squad. This will mean that you have someone to turn to when things go wrong or you need a little extra support.
Consider joining a team or club that focuses on a specific event such as the Olympics or world championships, or even just a team of swimmers you can work with to improve your skills. This will be a good way to push yourself, and it can be harder to cancel your session when you know that you have other people waiting for you!
You’ll also need to wear proper swimming gear. This includes a swimming cap and a pair of goggles to protect your eyes from the chlorine in the water.