The sport of swimming has long been an ideal low-impact, full body workout. Its popularity continues to grow as more and more people discover the health benefits of this form of exercise. It’s a great way to stay in shape and can even help you lose weight. Swimming also has the added benefit of helping you relax, as it is a soothing activity that can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Whether you were an Olympic swimmer as a child or just enjoyed splashing around with friends on a hot summer day, the joy of swimming is a lifelong gift that can be shared at any age and in every stage of your life. In fact, swimming is one of the few sports that can be enjoyed by children as well as adults and seniors. The ability to swim can help prevent accidents and even save lives.
Swimming is a great cardiovascular workout and burns calories very quickly. It can also strengthen your entire body, including your core, and can improve your flexibility. It’s a perfect exercise for everyone, from kids to seniors, and it can be done anywhere — from the local pool to a beautiful beach or serene lake.
Learning to swim is easier than you might think. Taking your first strokes in the water can be a little intimidating, but the key is to take it slow and work your way up to longer intervals. It can be helpful to practice with a friend who can help correct any errors and provide encouragement.
As you progress, you can also join a swimming team or take part in a competition. This is a fun and rewarding way to meet new people and enjoy the sport of swimming. It can also be beneficial to the mental health of the participants, as it encourages a sense of community and camaraderie.
There are several different swimming strokes, but Freestyle is the most popular and the calorie-burner of the bunch. To perform this stroke, you should push off the wall with your hands, extend them into a Y shape and then move them forward to propel yourself through the water. The rotation of your upper body as you swim also helps burn extra calories.
Backstroke, Breaststroke and Butterfly are also effective calorie burners, but they require more energy to complete. If you want to challenge yourself, try racing your friends or joining a medley relay. This involves a group of four swimmers, who each swim a specific length according to the rules of the freestyle stroke.
The world is full of stunning swimming spots. From Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon to a natural plunge pool that looks like it was carved into the side of a cliff, you’re sure to find a place to swim in style. Browse Celebrity’s global itineraries to discover where you can experience these amazing places.