It is summer and everyone’s trying to beat the heat. The most popular way to cool off at this time of the year is by going to the beach. Some people are too far from it, though, that many opt for swimming pools. But what use are pools if you do not know how to swim? All the more, if you are near Austin, Texas, which is home to the world’s most beautiful water ways and lakes. Fortunately there are Austin swimming lessons that can help a lot when it comes to building skills.

Swimming is not just a skill that is to merely for fun. It is actually a life-saving skill, too. Since drowning is a leading cause of death for children with ages 1 to 4 in the United States, it is important for children, and even their parents, to learn how to swim. Not only that they should learn how to swim, but parents should consider letting the children learn how to swim at a young age.

Swimming is also a health tool. It is the most complete exercise, offering both cardio and strength exercises. Cardio, since the heart gets pumped by having the body do a lot of aerobic activity by the kicks and strides. Strength, since the body gets resistance from the water when the body tries to part the waters when swimming.

Apart from being a cardio and strength exercise, swimming can also help asthmatics since it provides very good exercise for the lungs. Some people even say that their asthma attacks ceased when they took up swimming as their routine exercise.

Additionally, swimming has a lot of psychological benefits. Swimming can actually make one happy as certain levels of chemicals in the brain shoot up when one engages in physical activity. The cognitive, emotional and physical aspects of psychological development are also affected when swimming!

Swimming can also be a good way for mothers and children to bond this summer. Swimming can actually be taken up by kids as young as six months. This can actually more beneficial for the child because the skill is learned soon, and the child has not incurred any preconceived notions of danger that can hinder most students. Read the rest of this entry »

With warm weather and long lazy afternoons, summers are the perfect time to take a dip in the cool swimming pool water. Although it sounds the most fun anyone can have in summers, some of you may not be so keen on experiencing it for yourselves. Perhaps the reason is that you don’t know how to swim properly. Or maybe you know how it “looks” like, but can’t get the techniques right. If proper swimming technique is your dilemma, then we can help you. Even though learning how to swim should be a practical thing, sometimes, going over it theoretically can prove beneficial as well. In this article, we will go over the theory part of freestyle swimming technique for beginners. Read it properly and get out there to show everyone you can swim.

Freestyle Swimming Techniques

Now I don’t want to confuse you with understanding the fundamental techniques for freestyle swimming, but you should know a little bit more about this swimming style apart from its basics. Freestyle swimming is also known as sidestroke or front crawl swimming. The basics of freestyle swimming is similar to the front crawl swimming technique. Many swimming competitions incorporate this style of swimming as it doesn’t require any particular swimming rules and regulations.

That was a little bit about the freestyle swimming. Now we will have a look at freestyle swimming technique for beginners.

* Stand inside the swimming pool and try to imagine that a straight line is running down the middle of your body.
* This middle line from your chin to the chest works as an axis; your entire body will pivot according to this line.
* When you are swimming, your legs should be straight, toes pointed out, and kick your legs up and down. But make sure you don’t make the legs stiff while swimming.
* As for the arms, they should work like a windmill. This means, when one arm is out of the water, the other should be inside.
* While extending the left hand out, stretching it straight up, your right hand should be underneath you, pulling water and pushing your ahead.
* Your hands should be flat, with the thumb and index finger apart from one another. When the right hand in under water, you should slightly bend your elbow and finish the stroke.
* Once your right hand comes out of the water, the left hand should take its place in the water. Again the same stroke is done by the left hand; hence finishing one entire stroke.
* There are specific breathing techniques for swimming. During the strokes, breath by turning your head to the right or left (your choice) once the right or left hand comes out of the water. Turn your head to the right if the right hand comes up, and to the left if the left hand comes up. Read the rest of this entry »