Swimming as a sport has some pretty high standards. These athletes are required to have a certain amount of flexibility, strength, endurance and more just to qualify for the team. If you don't currently participate in another sport or physical activity on a regular basis, you might think that taking up swimming as a sport isn’t feasible. But with the right training and support team behind you, it is possible! So what exactly is swimming as a sport like? Read on to find out more.
Swimmers Are Constantly Improving
One of the best things about being a swimmer is that you’re always improving! And that’s something you don’t find in every sport. Swimmers are constantly focused on how they can improve their form, and how they can speed up in the water. Achieving personal bests is common to swimmers because they’re always working towards becoming a better, faster swimmer. Being part of a swimming team has many benefits. You’ll get the chance to make new friends, improve your skills, and get feedback on how you can improve as a swimmer. Swimming is a great way to relieve stress and make new friends, too. There are many different types of swimming, from competitive to recreational.
Swimming as a Cardio Workout
Swimming is a great way to build endurance, as well as strength in both the upper and lower body. It also provides a good cardio workout, which is great for weight loss. If you’re looking to burn calories, you’ll want to choose a stroke that isn’t too repetitive. The butterfly stroke and breaststroke are great examples of this. For someone who is trying to lose weight, these strokes are not recommended. Instead, it is best to choose a stroke that is more repetitive like freestyle, backstroke and IM (International Medley). When it comes to calories burned per hour, swimming ranks near the top of the list. One study found that swimming can burn up to 10 times as many calories as walking at the same pace! Swimming is also a full-body workout that engages all the major muscles, including the core. It’s also a low-impact activity that’s easy on the joints, making it suitable for people of all ages and abilities.
The Pros of Learning to Swim as a Sport
There are many benefits to learning to swim as a sport. Swimmers are known for having great cardiovascular health, as well as being toned and having nice muscular definition. In short, swimmers are generally in great shape! Swimmers also often have a great deal of flexibility, which is a great skill to have. Plus, all of the time spent in the water is a great way to relieve stress! If you’re looking for a sport with low injury risk, then consider swimming. While there is a small chance of injury, it’s generally one of the lower-risk sports out there. Plus, it’s a great way to relieve stress and get some exercise in at the same time.
The Cons of Learning to Swim as a Sport
Swimming as a sport has a couple of downsides. First, it requires a lot of time and effort. There are practices that need to be attended regularly, and that’s on top of the homework, studying and other activities that may be going on at the same time. Swimmers need to be very flexible, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but being flexible is something that is out of your control. You may have to spend time finding ways to increase your flexibility if you’re not naturally as flexible as some swimmers may be. Taking a break from swimming can be difficult, as well. You might have a hard time getting back into the habit, as it’s a very demanding sport. Swimmers are constantly pushing themselves and are always trying to improve, no matter what level of the sport they’re at.
How to Become a Swimmer As a Sport
If you’re thinking about learning to swim as a sport, there are a few things you’ll want to do first. First, it’s a good idea to start by joining a recreational swim team. This will allow you to meet other swimmers and help you get a feel for the sport. You can then consider joining a competitive swim team, depending on where you are in your skill level. You should also make sure you’ve got the right gear before you start practicing with your team. This includes swimsuits, goggles, swim shoes, a swim cap and other items that may be necessary for your specific type of swimming. Keep in mind that swimming can be a lifelong sport, so it’s important that you’re always taking care of your equipment.
Conclusion
Swimming as a sport is a great way to build endurance and strength, as well as improve your cardiovascular health. It’s also a great way to relieve stress and get an intense workout in at the same time. If you’re interested in learning to swim as a sport, you should start by joining a recreational swim team. From there, you can consider joining a competitive swim team, as well.