Swimming is a fun and social hobby that provides numerous health benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health and reduced stress. To get started, find a local swimming pool or open water area, invest in basic equipment, and consider taking lessons from a qualified instructor to learn proper technique and build confidence. Give it a try and experience the many rewards of this great hobby.
Swimming
as a hobby
AKA: Natation
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Tags: Sleeping Well
The water is your friend. You don’t have to fight with water, just share the same spirit as the water, and it will help you move.
Alexandr Popov
Helpful content to get started
The page is curated to inspire and help you get started with swimming as a hobby.
Overwhelmed? Play a random video or podcast to start getting familiar with swimming.
We strive for accuracy, but errors may occur. Always use your judgment. Refer to the listed resources for further research.
Videos
Short visual inspiration.
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Podcasts
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Swimming engages nearly all major muscle groups, making it an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise and a great way to stay in shape.
Terms
Basic lingo for orientation.
General Terms
- Circle Swimming: Sharing a lane with others by swimming in a loop (typically counterclockwise).
- Interval: A set time to complete a swim and rest before the next one.
- Lane: A designated area in the pool separated by ropes for swimmers.
- Lap: One length of the pool, typically 25 or 50 meters.
- Length: Swimming from one end of the pool to the other.
Strokes
- Backstroke: Swimming on your back using an alternating arm motion.
- Breaststroke: A stroke with a frog-like kick and simultaneous arm movement.
- Butterfly: A powerful stroke with a dolphin kick and simultaneous arm pull.
- Freestyle: The fastest stroke, often refers to front crawl.
Gear
- Fins: Worn on feet to help with kick strength and technique.
- Goggles: Protect your eyes and help you see underwater.
- Kickboard: A float used to isolate and train your legs.
- Pull Buoy: A float held between the legs to isolate arm movement.
- Swim Cap: A cap to reduce drag and keep hair out of the face.
Technique
- Catch: The initial phase of the stroke where the hand grabs the water.
- Flip Turn: A somersault turn used to change direction at the wall efficiently.
- Kick: Leg movement used to help propel the body through the water.
- Pull: The part of the stroke where the hand moves through the water to propel the swimmer.
- Streamline: A body position that reduces drag and maximizes speed.
Training
- Cool Down: Easy swimming at the end of a session to help recovery.
- Drill: A focused exercise that isolates part of a stroke to improve technique.
- Set: A group of swims done with specific instructions and repetitions.
- Warm-Up: Light swimming at the start of a session to prepare the body.
Term Videos
First Steps
How to break the ice and make a start. One Aha! moment is all you need.
Find your nearest swimming pool and visit it. If you feel like it, jump into the water. No need for much more than that for your first date. No pressure.
First Steps Videos
Exercise, including swimming, releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.
Products
Essentials to have.
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How-Tos
Step-by-step tutorials.
How-To Videos
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Swimming can be enjoyed by people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds as it is a low-impact and adaptable sport.
Books
Get read-y.
Articles
Further reading.
Video Articles
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Websites
Go-tos for information.
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Movies & TV
Nothing like a good film or a show for inspiration.
Movie and TV Trailers
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Swimming can improve your sleep quality, mood, and mental health by releasing endorphins and reducing stress.
FAQS
Get a clue.
Q: What do I need to start swimming?
A: You need a swimsuit that fits you well and allows you to move freely. You may also want to wear goggles, a swim cap, and earplugs to protect your eyes, hair, and ears from the water.
Q: Can I learn to swim on my own?
A: Yes, it’s possible to teach yourself the basics with the help of videos and guides. Always make sure the pool is supervised.
Q: How can I improve my swimming technique?
A: To improve your swimming technique, you need to focus on your body position, breathing, kicking, and arm movement. You can also watch video tutorials and ask for advice from your instructor or a friend.
Q: What are some common swimming mistakes and how can I avoid them?
A: Some common swimming mistakes are: holding your breath instead of exhaling underwater; lifting your head too high when breathing; bending your knees too much when kicking; or crossing your arms over the center line when stroking.
FAQ Videos
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Apps
Smart start.
App Trailers
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Swimming can improve lung capacity and efficiency as the body adapts to working in the water.
Courses
Get smart.
Video courses and trailers
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Community & Near You
Get together.
Related Videos
The rhythmic movements and the feeling of weightlessness in water can have a calming effect, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
Tips
Additional advice for beginners.
- Basic pool etiquette:
- Rinse off in the shower before jumping in the pool.
- Match your lane to your pace, as some pools have different lanes for different speeds
- Swim on the right side of the lane
- Be kind to your fellow swimmers
- If you are a guy, you might want to try elasticated shorts instead of non-elasticated ones for swimming. Elasticated shorts can reduce the drag and resistance that slows you down, and also help you get a better feel of the water.
Video Tips
Swimming can be a social activity where you can meet new people, join a club, or participate in competitions.
Additional Information
Hobby attributes.
| Attributes | Value |
|---|---|
| Fields | |
| Activities | |
| Locations | |
| Skills | Attention to Health, Hand-eye Coordination, Perseverance, Physical Fitness, Spatial Ability |
| Participants |
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