How do you start swimming? Just do it! Swimming for exercise is the same way. This full-body workout improves our cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength without hurting our bodies. There are many ways to get active by swimming. Once you start, stick with it for the best results!
How to start swimming, the various ways to get into swimming for exercise:
1. Hire a Coach or Instructor
Swimming is a specialized skill where having good form can make a huge difference. Work with a coach or instructor if your stroke feels rusty. This can help you perfect your technique. A coach or instructor will help motivate you to improve your skills. This is true for swimmers of all skill levels. Lessons are essential to mastering any skill, especially swimming. Book an instructor with us!
2. Swim Laps
You can do this alone or with a coach or instructor. Either way, swimming laps is a great practice exercise! Do the following:
- Start doing the freestyle stroke (front crawl) or breaststroke up and down the lane.
- Repeat for a minimum of 20 minutes.
Be sure to practice your breathing because it’s an important part of being a great swimmer. Swim timed laps for a real challenge. When you get tired, rest. There’s no need to rush progress!
There are also handy tools to help you improve your skills. Learn about more swimming training skills here. For example, kickboards let your upper body rest while your work your legs. Pull-buoys do the opposite. They support your lower body to let you concentrate on your stroke.
3. Water Aerobics
Water aerobics is not as intense as swimming laps but is still a workout. Practiced vertically in the shallow end, this exercise focuses on endurance and resistance training. Most classes run for about an hour. Find a class near you and join. Different forms include:
- Aqua Zumba
- Water Yoga
- Aqua Aerobics
- Aqua Jog
Aquatic exercise reduces the risk of injury. However, it does not burn as many calories as other activities do. Water aerobics is the safest form of exercise for people who are prone to arthritis, osteoporosis and weak joints.
Classes are available at Goodlife Fitness, the YMCA or most local community centers.
4. AquaFit Classes
Think of AquaFit classes as the older cousin of water aerobics. These exercises are generally more intense and burn more calories. Some of the classes include:
- Group Aqua Fitness
- Aqua Yoga
- Hydrorider
Your whole body will feel it when you enroll in an AquaFit class. Hydrospinning has you pushing against the resistance of the water. Luckily, since you weigh less in the water, these water exercises are lighter on your joints. You will feel a little tired, but come back for more in no time!
Find some classes at Goodlife Fitness and the YMCA!
5. Synchronized Swimming
Try out this fun water exercise. Synchronized swimming is a hybrid form of swimming, dance and gymnastics. It can be done in a variety of formats including solo, duet, mixed duet, free team, free combination and highlight elaborate moves in the water accompanied by music. Teams and individuals participate in the sport.
Synchronized swimming is a demanding sport. Here are a few of the skills that are needed to be successful:
- Strength
- Endurance
- Flexibility
- Grace
- Artistry
- Precise Timing
- Good Breath Control
During routines, swimmers are not allowed to touch the bottom of the pool. Synchronized swimming increases flexibility and lung control. Did you know that most synchro swimmers can hold their breath an average of 3 minutes? Stamina, endurance and muscle strength are also required.
If you are interested in synchronized swimming, find an amateur group near you. Check Synchro Canada or the USA Synchro Swim Directory to find a club or team close by
6. Join a Swim Team
Try competing once you are confident in your abilities. Try out for a competitive team near you t Masters Swimming Canada or USA Swimming. If you are at this point, we supposed you wouldn’t be asking “how to start swimming?” Hopefully, you followed our advice to get there. Try out the classes and activities we mentioned above and then try competing!
