Advantages of Competitive Swimming as a Workout

Competitive swimming is argued as one of the best sports to keep you physically fit. It has many great aspects, but it is not for everyone. I believe everybody should at least consider competitive swimming when thinking about and exercise activity, either for themselves or for their children.

Many Adults think that they are too old to swim competitively. This is simply not true. Most communities have at least one or two teams that hold adult swim practices. These practices are generally tailored to those who are looking to get back in shape, and will gently increase in distance and speed. After you have trained for a while, you will be able to enter a swim meet. You might even win a race or two.

Scientific studies have shown that swimming develops cardiovascular health and stamina. Lung capacity is increased and metabolic rate is increased. Exercise is great for lowering blood pressure, easing depression and stress, and losing extra weight. Swimming especially is good for joints, which can be delicate in the elder years. There are many more health benefits the result from competitive swimming.

Swim meets are great for quality family time. Many Parents find it fun to go to swim meets and participate in what their children are doing. Swim meets are great for meeting other parents of competitive swimmers. Making light conversation is easy because each parent has the common link of a child that swims. There are many friends made every year on swim teams. The atmosphere is much like that of a little league baseball game.

Young children and teenagers alike learn to enjoy competitive swimming as it can be a great outlet for excess energy and a competitive nature. Many lessons can be learned from competitive swimming. Children learn to set goals. They learn to work hard and then prove themselves as they accomplish those goals. Sometimes the goals will not be reached. Then the child learns about disappointment, and that life is not always a “bed of roses.”

A great thing about swim meets is the camaraderie between the swimmers. Each swimmer is vying for first place, but the emphasis becomes more about beating yourself. Most swimmers are more concerned about beating their old time. Improvement by even a second can be a great reason to celebrate. So each swimmer becomes a cheer leader for all of his or her friends.

Swimming is a very honest sport. There is only the swimmer against the clock. Only the swimmer can put work into their stroke and make improvements. Nobody else can decide for them how hard they will work or how much they will improve. The clock tells the truth.

In conclusion, swimming is a great sport for those dedicated to making themselves healthier or for those seeking a little recreational activity.