Yeah, that’s the old Nike slogan, but isn’t it so true? Think about all of the times you’ve hesitated to try something new, but decided to just do it anyway…not so bad, right? Caitlin had a great reader question this morning about being nervous to try out new activities (yoga, running, swimming, etc…). I’m a pretty shy, reserved person and I get a little anxiety over going to the yoga studio if I haven’t been in a couple of weeks, or going to a new gym where I don’t know my way around. I get it! But I’ve learned, as Caitlin has too, to just do it, and I’m always pleasantly surprised by how I feel afterward.
Swimming is no different. When Ashley came to me stating that she only knew how not to drown in the pool, I told her to just get in and try to copy what Caitlin was doing with her freestyle/forward crawl stroke. Naturally, she hesitated, but after some coaxing she got in the pool, took a few strokes, and guess what? She was able to do it! No it wasn’t perfect, but she was able to swim a stroke she’d never swum before. She said it felt very natural and she looked like she’d been doing it all her life.
The point is, you have to start somewhere. Swimming is excellent exercise, providing a full-body, cardio workout with less impact on your joints than other activities. Yes, there is a learning curve with swimming. It is more technique dependent than say, running or cycling, in the sense that if you change one part of your stroke technique, you will immediately notice how much easier it is to pull your body through the water. BUT, good technique does not come unless you practice. And in order to practice, you first have to jump in the pool and just start swimming.
Don’t be afraid of looking silly. You’re where you need to be and that’s no one else’s business. The most important thing is that you’re trying, and hopefully having some fun along the way.
If you don’t have anyone to look at for stroke reference when you’re at the pool, watch this video a few times to get an idea of what the general freestyle stroke looks like, then go try it yourself!
http://www.ehow.com/video_4459073_move-arms-freestyle-swimming.html
Oh, and if you haven’t read my How To Swim Part I and Part II, do that too! Print the tips out, put them in a plastic ziplock bag and bring them poolside for easy reference.
What would you like me to feature in my upcoming swimming tips?
Happy Swimming!
Disclaimer: I am offering my swimming advice as a courtesy to anyone who is interested, based on my16 years of experience in the sport. I am not a certified swimming coach, nor do I claim to be. I have been teaching children how to swim through private lessons and organizations for the last 7 years under the supervision of certified instructors and parents. I am not responsible for any injuries you may encounter while swimming.
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