SWIMMING

INTRODUCTION

Prepared by: Abegail Luzuriaga

 What is swimming?
• Swimming is the sport or activity of propelling oneself through water using the
limbs.

• Swimming can be both an individual or team sport.

• There are a number of different Swimming styles including breaststroke, freestyle,

backstroke and butterfly.
 Who is swimming for?
• Swimming is for everyone no matter what age or level of fitness. Any age can learn to swim
and there is no age limit on when you can no longer swim. Swimming is a life long skill that
could save your or another’s life.  It is never too late to learn to swim. Swimming is an
excellent way to keep fit and most swimming pools cater for all. Woman only, parent and
toddler, senior classes amongst others.

• A swimming costume is all you need to get started. You can also wear swimming tops or
close fitting t-shirts until you feel more comfortable. We would also suggest goggles to
protect eyes.
 HEALTH BENEFITS OF
SWIMMING
1. It provides a whole body workout
Swimming engages almost every major muscle group, requiring a person to use their arms,
legs, torso, and stomach.

2. It builds cardiovascular strength

Cardiovascular, or cardio, exercise involves the heart, lungs, and circulatory system. A
thorough workout routine, such as one that features swimming, will include this type of
exercise.
3. It is suitable for all ages and fitness levels
Some types of exercise may be challenging for people who are new to it or who feel very
unfit.

However, swimming allows a person to go at their own pace, and it can be inviting for
newcomers to exercise.

4. It is easy on the joints

Swimming does not put excess strain on a person’s joints. So, a person with arthritis or a joint
injury may find swimming a suitable exercise, as the buoyancy of water reduces stress on
weight bearing joints.
5. It is good for people with injuries
A person with an injury or condition such as arthritis may find it difficult to do high impact
exercise.

6. It is good for people with disabilities

Having a physical disability such as paraplegia can limit or eliminate some workout options.

7. It helps with asthma

In addition to building cardiovascular strength, swimming can help increase lung capacity and
improve breathing control.
8. It improves multiple sclerosis symptoms
Water keeps the limbs buoyant, so people with multiple sclerosis (MS) may benefit from the
support and gentle resistance that water provides.

9. It is safe during pregnancy

Swimming is a recommended form of exercise for pregnant people.

10. It burns calories

Swimming is an excellent way to burn calories. However, the amount of calories burned
depends on a person’s weight and how vigorously they swim.
11. It helps regulate blood sugar

12. It helps improve sleep

13. It boosts mood

Exercise releases endorphins, which improve mood.

14. It helps manage stress

Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and anxiety.

15. It could decrease heart disease risk

 OTHER SWIMMING ACTIVITIES
• Body boarding • Competitive diving
• Snorkeling • Competitive swimming
• Surfing • Fishing
• Synchronized swimming • Jet-skiing
• Triathlon • Rowing
• Underwater diving • Sailing
• Water polo • Water-skiing
 SWIMMING FACILITIES
• Swimming pool
• Swimming bath
• Wading pool
• Paddling pool
 POOLS FOR COMPETITION
Short-course pools – 25yd (22.8) or 25m (27.3yd) in length.
Long-course pools – 50m (54.6yd) in length.

Major Swimming Events – 50m Olympic size pool.