Swimming is a traditional sport that was first practiced by ancient man thousands of years ago. Drawings in the Stone Age show individual swimmers, and written references date as far back as 1,500 BC. Egyptian clay seals from 4000 BC depict four swimmers doing the crawl. One of the earliest known illustrations of swimming is that of an individual made in the Kebir desert, Egypt.
Swimming competitions are held by swimming clubs that belong to state associations, which are affiliated with the national governing body, Swimming Australia. Swimming Australia is a FINA-accredited body that offers competitive opportunities to swimmers of all levels. It also offers a friendly environment for recreational swimmers. Here, swimmers can practice their skills in a friendly, safe environment.
The backstroke is a common form of swimming that involves raising one arm to push water forward. When the arms are raised, swimmers turn their head upward, but only slightly. Lifting the head too far will slow the swimmer’s progress. As the head comes back into the water, swimmers exhale through the mouth or nose. Repeat this motion with the opposite arm.
Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for people of all ages. It helps the heart and lungs work hard, builds muscle strength, and improves immunity. It also increases energy and decreases stress. Kids can start learning how to swim at an early age and progress as they become more familiar with the sport. Swimming is a low-impact exercise that can be done anywhere.
As a competitive swimmer, you will have to balance your competing with other commitments. If you plan to compete in international competitions, you will have to find a flexible schedule that fits your lifestyle. A regular swimming schedule will improve your time management skills. This will help you keep up with other important tasks. You will also enjoy your swimming more.
Swimmers must wear goggles while swimming in order to see better. It is also important to protect your eyes from the pool chemicals. Chlorine gas can affect your lungs, especially if you have asthma. To address this problem, make sure you wear goggles that fit comfortably. Additionally, consider wearing a swim cap to protect your hair from pool chemicals.
Inexperienced swimmers are especially vulnerable to accidents and injuries. They may misjudge their dives or hold their breath too long. They may also get exhausted and experience sudden cramps. While swimming, you should also keep your head above the water at all times. If you are not careful, you could even get unconscious.
As you progress with your swimming, you can increase the pace of your workout. Swimming at a vigorous pace can burn up to 360 calories in 30 minutes. By increasing the pace, you will be able to cover greater distances while taking less rest.