I was once told by a swim coach, that swimming is the only sport you can do from the day you are born, till the day you die.
I know that phrase may sound extreme but it's true.
For kids as young as 6 months, swimming can help develop coordination and motor skills and for older swimmers it allows them to stay active, without placing any pressure on the body.
Being a professional swim coach, I have seen the growth of adult swimming over the years.
More and more adults are looking to learn how to swim or better their stroke technique and swim more efficiently.
But their main aim is to become more confident and enjoy being in the water.
Teaching or coaching adults, especially beginners, may feel tension or anxiety when taking part in the lessons or coming in contact with water.
Get COMFORTABLE. Start in the shallow end, walk around, practice splashing water on your face or holding on to the edge of the pool putting your face in the water, and blowing bubbles.
At this stage, it's all about building confidence and getting over any anxiety or fear you may have.
For adults learning to swim or improving their stroke technique, be PATIENCE.
It's important to understand that throughout your life it has taken time for you to learn new skills.
The same will apply when you learning to swim. Don't be discouraged, if you not learning or mastering new skills as quickly as you like.
Sticking with it is the most crucial element in learning how to swim.
A common question for coaches or instructors when teaching adults is when will I swim a full length?
Don't set a DEADLINE. Enjoy and trust the process.
Enjoy each swim lesson you attend and the progress you are making. You can set goals, but set these without a deadline.
This will lead to my next point, CELEBRATE your achievements no matter how big or small.
This will allow you to build confidence, stay motivated and enjoy the journey.
To get the most out of each swim lesson, it is important to know your LEARNING STYLE and communicate it to your coach.
Growing up, we all developed different learning styles. Some may benefit from visual instruction or demonstration, others may benefit from verbal instruction or a mix of both styles.
Communicate your learning style to your coach or instructors so that we can get the most out of your lesson.
Swimming is a great activity with many physical benefits, but most adults say that being in the water has a calming effect and can be mood-lifting.
Whether you're a beginner or looking to develop stroke technique. It's never too late to learn.
Take the plunge and give swimming a try.
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