Even though you are not going to be the next Michael Phelps or Katie Ledecky, its not yet too late to learn how to swim. Of course, you dont need to train like these world class Olympic swimmers but it sure would be helpful if you can get a hold of some helpful tips that will initiate you into the fantastic world of swimming.
Here are five helpful tips on how you can push yourself to learn how to swim regardless of how old you are already.
Use High Quality and Comfortable Swimming Goggles – Youre not going to dive but you will discover later on that wearing goggles can actually improve your efficiency while in the water. This can literally translate to greater confidence which will help fuel your passion to learn more about swimming. More importantly however, is the fact that the water in the swimming pool can literally sting your eyes. And if you do decide to swim in open bodies of water, the risk is for debris and other contaminants to enter the eyes and cause inflammation. Just think of it this way – will you be able to drive safely and more efficiently with your cars windshield or without it? To swim effectively, you need to have full access to your visual senses. Thats why you need goggles for that.
Always Swim with Face in Water – Many novice swimmers keep their heads out of the water for fear that they may drown or that they may bump into someone else. Unfortunately this creates drag which will make you exert a lot more. And when you exert too much, you will grow tired a lot faster which becomes a disincentive to learning how to swim. That is why you need high quality goggles to help you keep your head and your face submerged under water. Of course, if the only swimming style that you will ever get interested in is the backstroke, then theres no need for this tip. Heres another tip: always exhale every time your face is submerged. You may have to train for this, too.
Take Swimming Lessons – If you think youre too old to take formal swimming lessons, think again. There clearly is no substitute to formal instruction as you will get the best tips to master the different performance swimming strokes. Additionally, you will also learn if what youre doing is right or not. This way you can immediately correct the wrong and strengthen the right.
Get in the Water as Often as You Possibly Can – If you dont have swimming pool at home, you can use your bathtub to practice breathing out with your face fully submerged. If you do get the chance to be in bodies of water, grab the opportunity to take a plunge.
Dont Ever Give Up – Like all things that you have to learn, practice makes perfect. This is true for swimming, too. So, resist the temptation of giving up.
Learning to swim can be made a lot easier by following these tips. It doesnt matter if youre old already. As long as youre willing to learn, you should be fine.