Swimming is an excellent cardiovascular workout that burns lots of calories. It also helps to build muscle strength and improve endurance. In addition, it is a great way to cool off in summer and stay refreshed. But like any exercise, there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid injury and ensure your swim is a safe one.
Swimming has a very long history and is one of the oldest of all sports. During the early days of the human race, people swam to survive and for fun. Then, when civilization grew and cities developed, it became even more popular to have pools and to swim. The sport was embraced by both royalty and commoners and has continued to grow in popularity all over the world.
When starting out, you should always swim with a friend. This will help you to hone your skills and push yourself to go faster and achieve more. It is also a great way to get your friends involved in the fun of swimming and to make it a social experience, which can be very beneficial to the health of both you and your friend.
Proper technique is critical to the success of swimming, as it will allow you to swim more efficiently and reduce the chances for injury. Incorrect strokes and improper use of muscles are the primary causes of swimming-related injuries. To minimize these risks, you should be sure to have a proper warm-up and stretch before any rigorous activity in the water. You should also pay attention to the lane markings and any other indicators, such as flags, when entering the pool so you do not run into another swimmer or any objects or equipment in the water.
The best way to learn a proper stroke is the freestyle, which is very easy for beginners to pick up. It consists of a flutter kick and alternating windmill arm motion. The legs should be relaxed and the feet should be pointing down, like flippers. The arms should be swung outward and in an alternating pattern with each stroke to provide the most propulsion. The catch should be high in the water with your elbow close to the surface.
It is important to keep your head out of the water, especially when catching breath. If you lift your head, it will pull your body underwater, which increases resistance and slows you down. Instead, turn your head to the side to take a breath. This is harder to master than it sounds, as new swimmers are often tempted to lower their hips and shoulders in the water to compensate.
If you want to pass someone in the lane, be courteous and gently tap them on their foot to let them know they can see you. This will prevent collisions and give them time to react. If they do not respond, you should stop at the wall and yield to them. You can also call out, “Swim on!” to warn them of your presence.