Swimming: the Ultimate Skill
Swimming is the ultimate skill for fitness, community, and future opportunities for growth.
Swimming and learning how to swim has many benefits. It combines cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, and lung capacity in a uniquely fluid motion. Swimming has been a core skill for athletes for thousands of years. The earliest evidence of swimming dates back to 15th century Germany, but men and women were likely swimming for sport during the construction of the pyramids and earlier.
With the right training, learning how to swim is fun. It is a lifelong skill for all ages and fitness levels. Most professional swimmers would agree: no sport has such a low barrier for entry and such a high ceiling for potential. No matter what your preconceptions are about the “requirements” for swimming; or whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned veteran, swimming offers the perfect combination of fitness and fun. Want to get started? Have a look at our swimming lessons to get started today.
Why should I take swim lessons?
Making the decision to learn how to swim is arguably one of the best decisions someone can make. Yes, there are obvious fitness benefits, but you also become part of a growing community that is dedicated to self-improvement, youth development, and community involvement. Swimming can be done while you travel in nearly every part of the world. Improving your skills as a swimmer is easy to do with a little practice. Here are three reasons why you should consider learning how to swim.
1. swimming is Healthy
For one, the health benefits of taking part in the sport are figuratively and literally overflowing. Swimming doesn’t just work certain muscles like some sports or the stair-stepping machine at the gym do; it combines the best parts of cardio, muscle toning, and core strength into one. Not only are the legs and arms working simultaneously, but the lungs and core are also taking part as well, expanding your lung capacity in the process. The thing is, it doesn’t matter if you’re swimming at a near-olympian pace or taking a leisurely dip in the pool, anyone in the water for more than five minutes knows that any amount of work in the pool is sufficient. And especially in the safe environment of a pool, training means nearly zero danger with the proper supervision. SwimQwik instructors are ready to help you begin your swimming journey today.
According to swimming.org, swimming for an hour can burn anywhere from 500-750 calories. Those who have swimming experience under their belt know how incredibly effective the sport is at toning muscle and burning calories. For an adult, swimming may be the perfect way to burn unneeded calories and get in better shape. Again, no matter the fitness level or age of the athlete, swimming for any amount of time can be the perfect opportunity to better your body. And for a child, swimming offers a much-needed chance to expend energy and become healthier overall.
In an article about the positive effects of physical activity on children, the University of Utah health states that taking part in physical activity strengthens bones and lessens obesity rates, which enables children to live healthy, active lives. Swimming also strengthens cardiovascular health, which prepares children for a future with a lower risk for heart disease.
Learning how to swim is a lifelong skill. Without a football field or a team to play with, much of the experience of some sports can become obsolete later in life. With swimming, however, athletes can build their fitness and experience further by finding local pools to continue their athletic careers. This is the same reason that swimming is so highly taken up late in life; lessons are readily available in many areas and the schedule is largely set by the participants themselves. So whether you’re seventeen or seventy, the opportunity and benefits of swimming will always be there for the taking.
2. swimming provides opportunities
Knowing how to swim well after taking lessons or classes from professional swim instructors offers tangible opportunities the more experienced you get. More experienced swimmers in need of occupation can apply to beach or fitness club lifeguarding programs for a fun, impactful job. To become a lifeguard, one must be put through a series of courses to learn about basic safety, CPR, water safety, and other medical techniques. By taking these courses, many people are able to prepare for potentially life-threatening situations and even, in some cases, the chance to save a life. Lifeguards are a pivotal part of the beach and pool system, and the countless lives saved have all been because of taking part in swimming instruction.
3. Swimming is social
Although swimming can be competitive at certain times, it’s largely a team-building and community-supported sport. Becoming part of a swim team or swimming group allows individuals to band together and support each other’s physical and mental growth. Making progress with others is one of the best ways to be motivated; seeing the progress teammates make energizes further growth from other athletes and enables positive discourse within the community. Although athletes are under the water during workouts, much of the time is spent interacting with others who are learning similar techniques.
For children and teens, being a part of a swim team strengthens social skills and confidence. Completing a workout, a race, or just having fun in the pool is a great way to bond with others and support other athletes. Positivity is important especially in competition, those who choose to compete and race against others experience some of the most energizing support. Racing is about achieving personal bests, so no matter the team or age of an athlete, congratulations from other athletes are sure to be heard. And for adults, swim competitions are also a valuable opportunity for social interaction. Taking part in group lessons is always a great place to meet new people.