| If you've had enough of running, are tired of walking or | | | | swimming. They develop life skills such as |
| lifting weights, bored of biking or simply can't stand the | | | | sportsmanship, time-management, self-discipline, |
| heat, then swimming is for you. This popular water | | | | goal-setting, and an increased sense of self-worth |
| sport is a great way to exercise, meet new friends, | | | | through their participation in the sport. Swimmers seem |
| and kill time. | | | | to do better in school, in general terms, than |
| People swim for different reasons. A dip in the pool or | | | | non-swimmers as a group," Luebbers added. |
| meeting the waves on the beach can help one cool | | | | To reap the numerous benefits of swimming, here are |
| off after a hard day's work or a tough day at the | | | | some safety tips to consider: |
| office. Others enjoy the feeling of floating and sliding | | | | Check the depth of the water before you dive and |
| through the water while some find swimming a relaxing | | | | know your limits. |
| way to meditate, leaving them refreshed and ready to | | | | When you're in a pool, don't run around or drink from |
| face another day. | | | | glass containers. |
| Indeed, the reasons for swimming may vary but | | | | Always have a buddy. Don't swim alone. |
| experts agree that swimming has a lot of health | | | | Outdoors, the best swimming hours and the safest are |
| benefits. Among these are strong heart and lungs, less | | | | the last two hours of the morning and late hours in the |
| frequent attacks of asthma, and improved stamina. | | | | afternoon from 3 to 6 p.m. |
| "Regular swimming builds endurance, muscle strength | | | | On very hot days, don't swim during the middle of the |
| and cardiovascular fitness. It can serve as a | | | | day. The heat of the sun and the glare on the water |
| cross-training element to your regular workouts. Before | | | | may give you a headache. |
| a land workout, you can use the pool for a warm-up | | | | Make sure the water is clean and free from hazards |
| session. Swimming with increasing effort to gradually | | | | like broken glasses, dead leaves, insects, empty rusty |
| increase your heart rate and stimulate your muscle | | | | cans, and rotten branches. |
| activity is easily accomplished in the water. After a | | | | Beginners should confine their activities to enclosed |
| land workout, swimming a few laps can help you | | | | areas. |
| cool-down, move blood through your muscles to help | | | | Uncontrollable shivering, a bluish tinge on the lips, a |
| them recover, and help you relax as you glide through | | | | drawn pinched face, cold and clammy skin are warning |
| the water," explained Mat Luebbers in | | | | signs that you should stop swimming. |
| "Many swimmers also find an in-direct benefit from | | | | |