Considering hitting the pool as an adult? Awesome! Whether you want to improve your fitness, overcome your fear of water, or just take up a new leisure time activity.
It is never too late to learn how to swim as an adult & I am here to guide you! Let’s dive in!
Why Swimming Is Definitely Worth It
- The Basics: Why Swimming is a great idea not only for kids or top athletes. Swimming is quite literally the perfect workout for almost anyone.
- Low-impact on your body: Swimming is very low impact making it easy on key joints, perfect if you are injured or just searching for a workout that won’t put you at such high risk of injury.
- Whole-body workout: Swimming works primarily all of the most important muscle tissues on your body. It is also great for flexibility, strength and endurance simultaneously.
- Cardio Magic: Swimming on a regular basis does wonders for your cardiovascular health. Cardio workouts that are fun!
- Combat stress: being in the water is very calming. Exercise programs that can be done alone, such as swimming can help clear your mind.
How to Start your Swimming Journey
Whether you are a new swimmer or haven’t been used to water for years, it is really normal. At least like I’ve been saying — everyone has to start from somewhere. Here’s how to ease into it:
Just Be in the Pool: Before starting serious training or doing laps, you will need to spend some time chilling in the water. You can walk around in the shallow end, work on floating on your back and just let yourself feel what it’s like.
Breathing: While this may seem simplistic, a lot of beginners do not know how to breathe properly in the water. The next time you are at the pool, take a deep breath through your mouth, hold it, and exhale through your nose. Perform until it feels natural.
Sign up for a Class : Do not be shy in joining an adult class to learn how to swim. Those classes are meant to help you, and a good instructor will boost your confidence.
Related: Adult Swimming Complete Guide
What Equipment You’ll Need To Start Swim as an Adult
Having the right gear can make a huge difference in how comfortable and confident you feel in the pool:
- Swimsuit: Something comfortable and tight that will give you good freedom of motion. It needs to feel like a second skin.
- Goggles: It is important to wear goggles, as it will protect your eyes from the chlorine and also help you see underwater.
- Swim Cap: So your hair doesn’t get all wet and wild while in the pool. It helps keep it out of your face, and helps to reduce resistance.
- Kickboard and Pull Buoy: Maybe you need to change up the exercise and spend more time focusing on different parts of the stroke, these are tools that can help isolate stroke parts without focusing on everything at the same time just yet.
Learning the Easier Strokes
Now, let’s talk about beginner swimming strokes. You don’t need to master them all at once, but here are the basics to get you started:
Freestyle (Front Crawl)
This is probably the stroke you’re most familiar with. It’s great for building endurance and speed. Focus on alternating your arms, flutter kicking, and finding a good breathing rhythm.
Breaststroke
A bit slower and more relaxed, the breaststroke is perfect for beginners. It’s a lotl about moving your arms and legs in sync.
Backstroke
If you’re more comfortable on your back, this stroke is for you. It’s great for working on your kicks and getting used to the water without worrying about breathing.
Setting Goals (And Reaching Them)
When you’re starting out, it’s important to set some goals to keep you motivated:
- Short-Term Goals: Maybe it’s swimming a certain number of meters, learning a new stroke, or just feeling more comfortable in the water.
- Long-Term Goals: You could aim to swim more meters, join a local swim meet, or even just make swimming a regular part of your weekly routine.
How to Overcome the Challenges in learning Swimming
Let’s be real—starting something new can be challenging. Here’s how to tackle some common issues:
- Fear of Water : If you are afraid of water, that is totally fine. Don’t go off the deep, start slow, and stay at the shallow end. Having an instructor can help too.
- Breathing Difficulties: You may have some difficulty with breathing as you adapt to swimming. Start to practice breathing out of water before you start swimming with it. It’s all about timing.
- Building Endurance: Don’t be deterred by short term tiredness. Begin building your technique and increase meters per practice. If you stay motivated, then with regular practice improved performance will amaze you soon.
Try to Make Swimming a Habit
The key to getting good at swimming (or anything, really) is consistency:
- Swim Regularly: Try to hit the pool at least twice a week. The smarter and more you swim, the more progress you’ll get.
- Find a Swim Club: Everything’s more beneficial with a person that knows how to help you. Plus, the idea of having a coach on deck can push you beyond limits.
- Track Your Progress: Keep a log of your swims. Note how many laps you’ve done, how it felt, and any improvements you’ve noticed. It’s a great way to stay motivated.
Enjoy Your Swimming Ride
Most importantly, Starting your swimming journey as an adult is not just about learning a new skill—it’s about embracing a healthier, more confident you. The water welcomes everyone, no matter your age or experience. Whether you’re looking to conquer a lifelong fear, enhance your fitness routine, or simply enjoy a new hobby, the benefits of swimming are endless.
At RocketSwim Club in Toronto, we specialize in helping adults like you make a splash. Our expert instructors are dedicated to creating a supportive and non-intimidating environment, where you can build confidence at your own pace. From personalized lessons to small group sessions, we’ve got a Adult Swimming program that’s just right for you.
Ready to dive in? Join us today and take the first stroke toward a more confident, fitter you. Click here to explore our Adult Swimming Lessons and start your aquatic adventure with RocketSwim Club. Don’t let another day go by—make the splash that changes everything!