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Swimming: A Plan B Essay

She swims in open water, the alternate self.

There is no boat. She is alone. There is no predicting the conditions. Some days, the water is flat and still, her strokes pushing through a membrane of surface warmth and into a chill beneath. Some days, the waves are so vast they lift her high on their crests and send her hurtling down, swift as falling, into the trough. Those days, every breath wrested from the spray is a triumph, and she is shaky and grateful to touch dry land again.

The water itself is unpredictable: sweet and fresh and so clear she can see the snakes sleeping in the mud a hundred feet below, or so salty her tongue swells and her skin burns and she can’t see her own diving hands.

Because this is open-water swimming, she is discovering where she’s going as she goes. It has taken a long time to come to terms with the fact that the purpose is not to arrive, only to swim.

This does not mean that there is no urgency. There is always some sort of urgency: she chases down the moon sliding on the tops of the waves, she circles the candy-striped buoy and returns, she follows this school of fish into the hot mouth of a river where the trees lean blowsily, thickening the water into soup with the rot of their leaves. Some days, it is all she can do to kick her way out of the clinging weeds.

There is danger, a great deal of it. There are sharks that circle her. They wait. Their teeth shine in the murk. Their bodies lazily trail her shadow as it darts over the coral reef. There are barracudas and motorboats and freak waterspouts touching down from the sky. She doesn’t like to imagine it, but there is always the possibility of drowning.

Swimmers learn to counteract their fear with tricks. She sings to herself, voice burbling underwater and transforming the lyrics to nonsense. She counts until she loses count. She dreams, wide awake, of food, a whole smorgasbord just for her, banana bread and cheese soufflé and tiny exotic fruits in aspic. In this way, she fools the terror into staying in her wake so that it won’t outswim her.

She can’t worry about the danger, because she would never give up swimming: there is nothing more sensual in the world. The knife of the body through water, cleaving it. The full-body lick, crown to toe, deep into the bitter crevices. A whole impervious world seen in its business from above, the fish swallowing fish, the waggling seaweed, the slow glide of rays across the grooved bottom, sending up little puffs of sand. The smell of water that lingers in the sinuses, the slosh in the ears as she walks. She carries the swim with her into her life outside the water, softening her. She walks dreamily on land, a part of her still swimming.

At the same time, there is a moment in swimming when, after a while, the body’s rhythm grows so comfortable that the swimmer loses awareness of herself. There is a marrow-deep letting go. She isn’t thinking. Her brain is off, her body is on autopilot. She is elevated; happy is not the word for it. To be and not to be, simultaneously: some people call this state ecstasy, others call it zen. They are, perhaps, different names for the same phenomenon. It is difficult to attain, and there are a thousand ways to attain it. Some meditate, others do peyote, others focus so hard on their art that the world itself falls away and they look up, days or hours later, to be staggered by what they have created in the full flare of their own white heat.

Full immersion, of course, is the highest level of anything.

Who, having tasted this immersion, would not chase it every day? Who would not long to live in this state for as long as is possible? It arrives rarely, and the swimmer knows it for the gift it is. She doesn’t know what days she will find it, or what the conditions will be when she does, smooth or rough, windy or calm, the water so cold she shudders merely to look at it or so warm it’s like swimming through peanut oil. And so she suits up every day. Slides on her cap, affixes her goggles. She takes a breath. She dives in.

Perhaps long ago one came to see the alternate life as the same life, only in a different medium. Read: paper for water, sentences for swim. Read: alternate life for the life one is already amazed to be living. What we choose to do in our short span on earth changes us, of course: most of us can’t resist taking on the attributes of our occupations. Yet, no matter what we do, the core of who we are remains the same. The same person who swims also writes, and makes the writing into a kind of swimming. If I weren’t a writer, I’d be an open-water swimmer. They are different modes of pushing toward the same purpose: those singular moments of ecstasy, the gorgeous, the ungraspable, the letting go.

—Lauren Groff is the author of The Monsters of Templeton, a novel, and Delicate Edible Birds, a story collection. Her work has won a Pushcart Prize and a PEN/O. Henry award, has been anthologized twice in the Best American Short Stories series, and has appeared in the journals, including The New Yorker, the Atlantic, Subtropics, Glimmer Train, and One Story. Her second novel, Arcadia, was published in March 2012 .

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What is swimming? That sounds like a trivial question, but it helps to be clear. Swimming is moving your body through water (a moderately viscous fluid) that's either still (as in a swimming pool), turbulent (as in the ocean), or somewhere in between. If you're swimming completely under the surface (for example, scuba diving), you're moving through relatively still water; other times, you're going to be moving along at the more turbulent interface between air and water, with your legs, arms, head, and body moving from one element to the other and back again, speeding up or slowing down as they cross the border. Photo: Even the best swimmers have to move along the choppy interface between air and water. It's the most inefficient place to swim, but the only place you can do it if you need to breathe air. Photo by Michael R. Holzworth courtesy of US Navy . Water versus air Before we can understand the science of swimming, it helps to remember that air (a gas) is very different from water (a liquid). The biggest difference is that water is much more dense (the same volume of it weighs much more) and viscous (in other words, thicker—in the same way that treacle is more viscous than water). Artwork: Water is much more dense than air (has many more molecules per unit of volume), which is why it's harder to swim through and why it feels cold, even when it's the same temperature as the air above. Getting into "cold" water is like touching "cold" metal: both feel cold because they conduct (and steal) heat from your body very effectively. The difference between air and water makes a huge difference to how we can move on air and land. When you walk on land, the main thing your body has to do is work against gravity (lifting your legs, swinging your arms, and keeping you from toppling over through constant adjustments of your balance) and a little bit of friction where your shoes meet the ground. If you move more quickly (say, on a bicycle ), air resistance becomes a more important force than gravity; unless you're walking into a really strong wind, you barely notice the air while you're walking. When you're in the water, gravity is much less important because your buoyancy (tendency to float) largely cancels it out. The main force you have to think about as a swimmer is drag —water resistance. We'll come to that in a moment. Other differences between water and air are important if you swim outdoors, particularly in the winter months: because water is much more dense than air (more precisely, because it contains many more molecules per unit of volume, and those molecules are bonded together), it removes heat from your body about 25–40 times faster than air at the same temperature. (That's why surfers and "wild" outdoor swimmers tend to wear wetsuits to avoid hypothermia, the very dangerous cooling of the body's core that can kill you.) Because water is so much denser than air, it takes a much longer time to warm up. That's why the ocean temperature typically lags behind the land temperature by 2–3 months in countries such as the East Coast of the United States and the UK (where the ocean is often warmest in September). Sponsored links (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Newton's laws of swimming If you love science but swimming scares you, you'll find it very helpful—as I did when I was learning to swim—to think about Newton's three laws of motion . Among the most fundamental rules of physics, these three basic principles are enough to explain completely the movement of almost every single object you're ever likely to come across. The first law outlines the concept of inertia . It says that things stay still or move steadily (at the same speed) unless something pushes or pulls them (unless some kind of a force is applied). The second and third laws are of more interest. The second law explains the connection between force and acceleration : if you push or pull something, it starts moving (if it was still to begin with) or goes faster (if it was moving already); the bigger the force you apply, the more acceleration you get; the longer you apply the force, the bigger the change in momentum you can achieve. Where swimming is concerned, the third law is perhaps the most important. It says that when you apply a force to an object, the object returns the favor and applies an equal force to you—in the opposite direction. This law is often called action and reaction and it's the simplest way for a scientific non-swimmer to make sense of the water. You probably know already that if you kick backward against the wall of a swimming pool, you shoot forward through the water. The same applies to actual swimming strokes. Simply speaking, if you want to swim forward through water, you have to pull water backward with your hands. If you want your body to stay up , floating on the surface, you need to kick down with your legs. If you're swimming along and you want to stop suddenly and stand up, you can pull your hands down in front of you (in a kind of circular motion—a bit like bowing down) and your legs will swing down behind you, so you land in an upright position on your feet. Master these basic moves—simple applications of Newton's third law—and you'll find you'll be able to swim easily and stop confidently whenever you need to. Photo: Isaac Newton tells us we have to pull water backward to go forward, as this swimmer is doing by using his outstretched hand and forearm as a paddle. This part of the stroke is called the catch and pull. Photo by Alan D. Monyelle courtesy of US Navy and Wikimedia Commons . Minimizing your drag Photo: Speed cyclists realize they have to minimize drag because they can feel the air pushing hard against them. Even though water is "thicker" and swimmers feel the drag of the water much more, they don't always realize the importance of minimizing drag. Lots of other scientific factors make a big difference to how well you can move through the water. Once you've mastered the basic science of swimming, minimizing your drag in the water is the next step: that will help you swim faster and for longer, using the minimum amount of energy in the process. Many beginners don't really understand this, but it's exactly the same as cycling: in the same way that cyclists have to minimize the surface area they present to the wind (crouch forward, put their arms in, and generally streamline themselves), so swimmers have to create as little resistance to the water as they possibly can. In practice, this means making your body completely horizontal, so (in the case of front crawl) your head is well down in the water rather than poking up with your body sloping down behind it. (That's why you have to learn how to breathe in at the side and breathe out underwater.) You can also minimize drag by slicing your hand in and out of the water to make your strokes and, in front crawl, you can learn to swivel (rotate) your body as you swim from side to side. And it helps to pivot your ankles and point your toes like a ballerina so your feet aren't dragging in the water as brakes. Photo: Even the best swimmers create drag. Notice the turbulence forming around this swimmer's hand and body as they push through the pool. Photo by Shane Manson courtesy of US Marine Corps and DVIDS . Your own body shape also plays a part in how much drag you create, and a well-fitting swim suit or wet suit can make a big difference. (You'll have noticed that top male swimmers always wear tight-fitting "jammers" or skimpy trunks instead of baggy boardshorts with absurd, billowing pockets.) Another thing that affects drag is the extent to which you disturb the water as you swim (the more turbulence you create, the more you'll find drag is a problem). Similarly, if you're swimming something like triathlon and you can find a neat place in the slipstream of someone in front, you'll minimize drag just like a cyclist slipstreaming a car or a bus. But even if you work hard to minimize all these factors, you'll still typically use about four times more energy swimming a certain distance than you would would running the same length. Swimming is hard work! [1] Photo: Minimizing drag: This diver enters the pool with a body position carefully streamlined to minimize drag. His tight-fitting "jammers" (swimming trunks) will also minimize his drag once he's in the water. Photo by Triton Lai courtesy of US Marine Corps and DVIDS . It's worth noting that sea-water is harder to swim in than pool water, for several reasons. First, except on beautifully calm summer days, the ocean is almost always more turbulent , so your body doesn't slice through the water like a dolphin. Sea-water is also more dense than freshwater because of the salt it contains, and that makes it slightly more viscous too. And cold water (in the ocean) is more viscous than hot water (in a heated pool); the viscosity of water at 10°C (50°F) is twice that of water at 40°C (~100°F). [2] If the water is especially cold, your body will shiver to keep you warm, and that will use up more oxygen and energy. All these things make a cold ocean swim a tougher proposition than a swim in the heated pool, but the upshot is that your body is working harder and getting more exercise. Unlike with cycling or sprinting through air, it's hard to built up any momentum when you're swimming: though you certainly glide for a short time, water resistance will still bring you quickly to a halt. What we have here is the first law of motion in action. If water were as light as air but you could still float and swim through it, you could stroke for a while and then rest, allowing your momentum to keep you moving forward (much as you can stop pedaling on a bicycle every so often). But the force of the water pushing against you brings you rapidly to a rest. You'll also experience inertia when you try to change direction: since velocity is speed in a particular direction , changing direction means changing velocity—and it requires you to use a force, even if you swim at constant speed. If you're doing front crawl and you decide you want to turn around in a semi-circle and go back the way you came, it's actually quite hard to change the direction of your motion without stopping and reversing or doing a somersault. Swimming efficiently “ Professor Hildebrand celebrated his 77th birthday by swimming a half mile in 22 minutes. He said, "I used swim fins and webbed gloves because a man of intelligence should apply his power efficiently, not just churn the water."” Joel H. Hildebrand, The New York Times Obituary , May 3, 1983. Swimming is superb aerobic exercise (vigorous exercise that really pumps your heart and lungs) and very tiring; the two things are, of course, connected. You can swim further for longer by swimming more efficiently, which means using as little energy as possible for each stroke by minimizing drag, and getting as much forward propulsion as you can. With front crawl, the object is to extend your hand as much as you can and bring it back as far as possible, dragging as much water back (with a cupped hand and a bent forearm) as you possibly can. (Swimming teachers call this two-part process the "catch" and "pull.") If you make a long, complete stroke with a proper follow-through, you're applying your pulling force for longer and each stroke will count for more. You can see this from Newton's second law of motion, which is often written: force = mass × acceleration F = m a Since acceleration is velocity divided by time, it's also true that force is equal to the rate of change of momentum: F = mv / t and that: force × time = mass × velocity F t = m v To put it another way, if you want to produce the biggest possible change of momentum, you need to apply your force (pulling back on the water) for as long as possible—with as long a stroke as possible and a good, complete follow-through. It's also worth remembering that the human body is a machine (in the strict scientific sense of that word): our limbs work like levers, pivoted at our joints (which are effectively fulcrums), multiplying force or speed. When you're doing front crawl, it's important to reach forward and pull your arm backward as much as you possibly can. You get more leverage on the water that way and the force you create pulling backward will give you more force to go forward. A good follow-through also decelerates your limbs more slowly, and reducing the acceleration reduces the force they feel, reducing the likelihood of pulled muscles and other injuries. Photo: It's important to reach forward and extend your arm as much as possible. Photo by Joseph M. Clark courtesy of US Navy and Wikimedia Commons . The conservation of momentum tells us that the momentum you give your body, going forward, is the same as the momentum you give the water, pulling backward. That implies that you need to pull as much water backward as you possibly can with each stroke. Cupping your hand helps; keeping your elbow high as you pull back helps too, so your forearm works as a kind of paddle, and you pull back an entire arm's worth of water rather than a mere handful. You'll find this is much harder and more tiring to begin with, which is a good sign: it shows you're creating much more force. Energy and power It takes energy to push your body through the water—and your body loses the same amount of energy in the process. The rate at which something uses energy is called power . According to an interesting blog post in Wired by physicist Rhett Allain, champion swimmers can briefly achieve a power of 1200 watts (the maximum power of a clothes washing machine or a very powerful vacuum cleaner), which is similar to what a champion cyclist can achieve for short periods, pumping away flat out. In his book The Human Machine , British zoology professor R. McNeill Alexander quotes power figures for swimming that are in the hundreds of watts. [3] This is consistent with the power that top cyclists routinely generate (and it's also similar to the figure in the calculation in the box at the end of this article.) Chart: Top swimmers (and cyclists) can produce several hundred watts of power, which is about twice as much as the rest of us. This chart shows how that amount of power compares to some familiar everyday appliances. In theory, a swimmer could power three LCD TVs, four old-fashioned lamps, or 20 energy-efficient lamps. Sponsored links (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Floating and buoyancy Things float because when we place them in water, the pressure of the water underneath them pushes up and supports them; in other words, water pressure pushing upward balances weight (the force of gravity) pulling downward. That's one of the reasons why we swim in a horizontal position: spreading the body flat makes it work more like a raft, so there's more upthrust from the water below. You probably know that it's much easier to float on your back than standing straight upward, when you need to "tread water" (kick and push your arms downward to create an upward force that stops you sinking). Photo: Our bodies are surprisingly buoyant, but we float better in some positions than others. This swimmer is practicing a survival technique called the prone or "dead man's float," which helps you float in water for longer and conserve energy. Photo by William R. Goodwin courtesy of US Navy and Wikimedia Commons . US Navy . --> A non-swimmer's biggest fear is sinking under the water and drowning, but it's much harder to sink when you're swimming than you might suppose. (Unlike when you accidentally fall into a river, where you're more likely to sink and drown because your clothes get wet and stop you swimming properly; factors such as the coldness of the water also play a part.) Depending on your body type (how big you are, how much you weigh, how big your lungs are, how fat you are, and so on), you may be surprisingly buoyant : you might find it quite hard to sink even if you want to. It's fairly well known that fatter people are more buoyant than skinnier ones, and that's because fat is less dense (more buoyant) than muscle. Wearing a wetsuit (made from a synthetic rubber called neoprene , which traps air bubbles inside it) makes you even more buoyant, which is why scuba divers typically have to wear weights to make them sink. Is it better to float or to sink? If you're a boat, it's certainly better to do one or the other! Unfortunately, most boats do a bit of both: they crash and drag straight through the waves—in the very turbulent interface between the air and the water. The fastest boats are hydrofoils and hovercraft (which aim to lift themselves clear of the waves) and submarines (which sink beneath them). If you're a swimmer, neither of these is really an option. We can't choose whether to sink or float: we have to drag through the water. Even so, understanding the science of swimming and mastering how we apply it can help us poor land creatures to move as efficiently through the water as possible! Question: Does swimming warm the pool?

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The history of Olympic swimming

Discover the history of Olympic swimming, from its early days as a military training technique to a showpiece Olympic event.

While humans have likely been swimming ever since they dipped their toe in the water, it’s believed that swimming as a practice dates back as early as 2500 BC.

The Ancient Egyptians were said to swim in the Nile for pleasure, while the Greeks and Romans used it as a means of training prospective soldiers.

But how did it become an Olympic staple? Let’s dive into the history of Olympic swimming .

Origins of the sport

Swimming started its sporting journey in the mid-19th century, when the world’s first swimming organisation was formed in London in 1837.

Inevitably, things soon became competitive and, in 1846, the first swimming championship was held in Australia. The race became an annual event, and it was an early indicator for the future success of competitive swimming.

Swimming has been part of the Olympic schedule since the very first modern Olympic Games in 1896. It’s one of only four disciplines to have been retained, appearing in every summer Olympics since – the others being athletics, artistic gymnastics and fencing.

Birth of Olympic swimming

In the early years, Olympic swimming events were male-only. Women’s events were introduced at the 1912 Games in Stockholm – although women initially only competed in two events, the 100m freestyle and 4×100m freestyle relay.

Experimental beginnings brought some rather unique events to those early Games. At the inaugural modern Olympics in Athens, swimming events included the 100m freestyle for sailors , which only members of the Greek navy could compete in.

Until the London 1908 Games, Olympic swimming events took place in open water. This left the swimmers at the mercy of the elements, contending with the weather and waves.

After being exposed to temperatures of 13°C in the Mediterranean (a modern Olympic pool is around 25-28°C) during the 1,200m freestyle race – in which he won gold – Alfréd Hajós said: “My will to live completely overcame my desire to win”, illustrating the precarious nature of the early swimming events.

Showing just how varied the Games have been throughout history, Hajós would later compete at the 1924 Paris Olympics in the art competition, when he and fellow countryman Dezső Lauber won silver in the sporting architecture category.

The modern era and rise of superstar athletes

The post-World War II era brought better technology, facilities and improved training techniques , resulting in significantly quicker times compared to the early, wave-fighting competitions.

Originally, female and male swimmers wore body suits, which increased resistance and slowed them down. As the sport progressed, swimwear become more hydrodynamic. Suits began to be made from materials such as Lycra, which reduced drag and, as a result, reduced lap times.

Competitive pools also saw great change during this period, which led to the move from outdoor to indoor tournaments. The introduction of drainage in Olympic swimming pools, marked lanes in 1924, and guidelines for pool depths all contributed to a better overall standard of competition in the years that followed.

The rise of the superstar athlete

This exciting era of development paved the way for superstar swimmers, the first of which was the USA’s Mark Spitz . Winning seven gold medals at the Munich Games in 1972, he became a household name on the back of his astonishing achievements.

Brilliant solo performances continued at Seoul 1988, when East Germany’s Kristin Otto became the first woman to bag six gold medals in a single Games, setting a new standard for aspiring Olympic swimmers.

These accomplishments have been bettered only by one man, Michael Phelps . Vowing to break his countryman Spitz’s record, he eclipsed it by one in Beijing 2008. Phelps claimed a grand total of eight golds – 36 years after Spitz’s era-defining performances in Munich – and later became the most decorated Olympian of all time with a total of 28 medals over four Games.

Sights on Tokyo and beyond

As time has progressed, more events – and swimming techniques – have been added to the Olympic swimming programme. At the 1956 Melbourne Games, the butterfly stroke made its debut. In 1968 in Mexico City, there was an almighty leap – the biggest jump in new events between Games – when the number of swimming events grew from eight to 14 for women, and 10 to 15 for men.

Tokyo 2020 will mark the start of a new era for the Games. For the first time, men’s and women’s events will be identical in number, distance and discipline. At Rio 2016, there were 32 events – in Tokyo, this will grow to 35, with 18 events for both men and women. The 35th event, though, is revolutionary.

Tokyo 2020 will be include the mixed 4×100m medley relay. In this new gender-mixed race, both men and women will compete together in the same teams. And in Tokyo in particular, we’ll see them fighting to become the inaugural winners of this new race.

Discover a wealth of Olympic swimming action with exclusive videos and features on the Olympic Channel.

Related content

Athlete Evolution: Michael Phelps

How well do you know: Michael Phelps?

Michael Phelps: My Rio Highlights

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• v.32; 2012 May

Swimming and Aquatic Activities: State of the Art

Yolanda escalante.

1 Facultad de Ciencias del Deporte. AFIDES Research Group. Universidad de Extremadura, Spain.

Jose M. Saavedra

The concepts of “swimming” and “water activities” have evolved greatly since the first written document on swimming (Nikolaus Wynmann, 1538, “ Colymbetes, sive de arte natandi dialogus et festivus et iucundus lectu ” [“ The Swimmer, or A Dialogue on the Art of Swimming and Joyful and Pleasant to Read ”]). At its inception, swimming was understood simply as moving in water – first, in order to survive, and then, to compete. Today, the term clearly connotes swimming sports, and as such can be defined as an activity in which a person practices a regulated Olympic sport in order to move as fast as possible through the water thanks to the propulsive forces generated by arm, leg, and body movements overcoming the resistance the water presents to progress ( Saavedra et al., 2003 ). The skills of swimming have been adapted to different contexts and participants. The result is that there are now a great diversity of additional water activities: aquatic Olympic sports (water polo, diving, and synchronized swimming), non-Olympic sports (lifesaving, fin swim,…), leisure activities (aqua-aerobic, fit swim,…), health activities (hydrotherapy, balneotherapy,…). The term “Aquatic Activities” covers all these plus swimming, and can be defined as motor activities performed in water for purposes that may be utilitarian, competitive, educational, therapeutic, or recreational.

With regard to research, swimming is probably the most studied of all sports ( Barbosa et al., 2010 ). The first research of which we know was published in 1905 by Du Bois-Reymond. He used an elementary dynamometer to measure the passive hydrodynamic drag of a swimmer pulled through the water by a boat. The father of swimming research, however, is considered to be Thomas K. Cureton of the University of Illinois. Beginning in the 1930s, he published numerous scientific papers related to swimming (Colwin, 1993). The scientific consolidation of swimming studies was reflected in specific conferences of worldwide significance, such as the series of FINA World Sports Medicine Congresses, the first of which was held in 1969 (London, UK), and whose next edition (XVII) will be in December this year in Istanbul (Turkey). Another outstanding series of Conferences are those of the International Society of Biomechanics in Sport in which numerous works related to swimming are presented, with “Applied Sessions” specifically devoted to this sport. For instance, in this year’s (30th) edition to be held in Melbourne there will be two such Applied Sessions, one devoted to the influence of wave drag in swimming, and the other to applications of technology in swimming. The most important scientific congress in the swimming world is, however, the quadrennial International Symposium on Biomechanics and Medicine in Swimming whose first edition was held in 1970. In the latest (11th) edition held in Oslo (2010), more than 250 works were presented representing more than 25 countries ( Kjendlie et al., 2010 ), and there has been a steady growth in the number relating to aquatic activities (in particular, there were 50 papers presented in this area in the Oslo meeting). The four scientific areas with most works presented were, in this order: Biomechanics, Physiology, Evaluation, and Training ( Vilas-Boas, 2010 ). Many of the papers presented in the various conferences have subsequently been published in Journal Citation Report indexed journals. One observes in Table 1 that Swimming predominates over the other thematic research areas, and that, in recent years, research in aquatic activities other than swimming has increased considerably.

Search results (18th April 2012) for different terms in the Web of Knowledge for the “Sport Sciences” and other categories .

The research being conducted in the field of aquatic activities in general, and swimming in particular, has led the Journal of Human Kinetics to publish this special issue. It comprises 21 high quality articles involving researchers and academics from 11 countries (Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Croatia, Greece, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, and the United States of America). Each article has been rigorously peer reviewed by at least two referees from 11 countries in addition to the nine above (Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Japan, Lithuania, Romania, Switzerland, the United Kingdom), involving over 40 researchers and 25 institutions. The articles are divided into two main blocks – competitive swimming (12 papers), and other aquatic activities (9 papers) corresponding to the following themes: aquatic exercise (3 papers), swim education (2 papers), synchronized swimming (2 papers), water polo (1 paper), and diving (1 paper). By scientific area, the papers may be categorized as: Biomechanics (7), Anthropometric (2), Education (2), Evaluation (2), Physiology (2), Training (2), Aquatic exercise (1), Psychology (1), Sociology (1) and others (1).

Finally, we wish to thank the Editor-in-Chief, Professor Dr Adam Zając, and the Technical and Statistical Editor, Professor Dr Adam Maszczyk for the trust and responsibility deposited in us for the preparation of this Special Issue. We hope and trust that it will meet with the approval of the readers of the Journal of Human Kinetics.

• Barbosa TM, Pinto E, Cruz AM, Marinho DA, Silva AJ, Reis VM, Costa MJ, Queirós TM. The evolution of swimming science research: Content analysis of the “Biomechanics and Medicine in Swimming” Proceedings Books from 1971 to 2006. In: Kjendlie PL, Stallman Robert Keig, Cabri Jan, editors. Biomechanics and Medicine in Swimming XI. Oslo (Norway): Norwegian School of Sport Science; 2010. 2010. pp. 312–313. [ Google Scholar ]
• Colwin CM. Swimming into the 21st Century. Human Kinetics Publishers; Champaig. Illinois (USA): 2003. [ Google Scholar ]
• Kjendlie PL, Stallman RK, Cabri J, editors. Biomechanics and Medicine in Swimming XI. Oslo (Norway): Norwegian School of Sport Science; 2010. 2010. [ Google Scholar ]
• Saavedra JM, Escalante Y, Rodríguez FA. La evolución de la natación. Lecturas: Educación Física y Deportes. 2003; 7 (66) http://www.efdeportes.com/efd66/natacion.htm . [ Google Scholar ]
• Vilas-Boas JP. The Leon Lewillie Memorial Lecture: Biomechanics and Medicine in Swimming, Past, Present and Future. In: Kjendlie PL, Stallman Robert Keig, Cabri Jan, editors. Biomechanics and Medicine in Swimming XI. Oslo (Norway): Norwegian School of Sport Science; 2010. 2010. pp. 12–19. [ Google Scholar ]

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Definition of swimming

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Definition of swimming  (Entry 2 of 2)

Examples of swimming in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'swimming.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing swimming

• free - swimming

swimming bath

• swimming cap
• swimming costume
• swimming hole
• swimming pool
• swimming trunks
• synchronized swimming

Dictionary Entries Near swimming

Cite this entry.

“Swimming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swimming. Accessed 15 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of swimming, more from merriam-webster on swimming.

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for swimming

Nglish: Translation of swimming for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of swimming for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about swimming

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Swimming — An Overview of the Origin of Swimming

An Overview of The Origin of Swimming

• Categories: Swimming

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Published: Sep 18, 2018

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Student Essays

8 Unique Essays on Swimming – History, Importance, Benefits [ 2024 ]

Swimming is one of the best all-around exercises. It provides cardiovascular exercise, strength training and muscle toning, flexibility, range of motion and coordination. The fact that swimming can be done anywhere makes it a great workout option for people on the go or who may have injuries that limit their ability to do outdoor activities outside of the pool.

Read the following short and long essay swimming, value and importance of swimming essay for children and students. These are quite beneficial quite for school exams preparation.

Essay on Swimming | Importance, Benefits of Swimming for Students

Swimming is an exercise in the water that involves the use of one’s body to move through said medium. It can be used as a type of relaxation or warm-up or, more commonly, done with specific goals in mind for physical fitness purposes.

Swimming allows people to achieve physical fitness goals, such as weight loss or gaining strength in specific areas. It can also be used as a break from high-impact exercises for those with joint troubles. Swimming serves various functions for different people, but can be used as a form of meditation or stress-relief by many swimmers. As one swims, breathing techniques can help reduce anxiety and increase focus while also providing invaluable aerobic exercise to improve the cardiovascular system.

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Benefits of Swimming 

Swimming is a low-impact exercise that can be done no matter one’s current fitness ability or age. Because of this, it is beneficial for those who may have injuries and need rehabilitation as well as those looking to keep fit and young. Following are 5 major benefits of swimming:

• One of the greatest benefits of swimming is that it can be done by nearly everyone. Because there are no high-impact motions involved, those who are recovering from joint injuries or age-related problems such as arthritis can participate in swimming without exacerbating these conditions. This makes it a good workout option for seniors and rehabilitation purposes for younger populations.
• Swimming can be done at any fitness level, making it an exercise accessible to nearly everyone. This is because there are many ways to swim – one can choose whether they want to use their arms or legs more, for example, or simply stick with a style that works best for them. For those who are not physically fit, swimming is a low-risk workout option, allowing them to slowly improve their health and fitness level.
• Because water offers resistance, swimming strengthens the muscles one uses when they are in the pool. Many swimmers also do weight training outside of the pool to build muscle mass and increase strength even further. As muscles are built, fat is burned, providing even more incentive for people to get in the pool.
• Swimming is a cardio exercise that can help improve cardiovascular health and overall endurance while also strengthening muscles needed for other activities where high-impact motions may be involved, such as running or jumping sports. Regular aerobic exercise, such as swimming, has been shown to reduce the risk of disease by lowering blood pressure, cholesterol levels and body fat. This makes swimming beneficial for those with medical conditions that are worsened by these factors, such as heart disease or obesity.
• Finally, swimming is a low-impact workout that can be done by nearly everyone, making it beneficial for those with joint issues or other medical conditions that restrict their ability to do high-impact exercises. Since swimming reduces the risk of injury later in life while still providing many other benefits, people may want to consider adding this activity into their lifestyle if they want to improve their overall wellness and decrease the risk of developing medical conditions in the future.

Swimming is good for Children

The importance of learning to swim early in life cannot be understated. Beyond the health benefits, swimming builds confidence and a love for an activity that is great exercise with lifelong benefits.  As a parent, there are many things you can do to help ensure your children enjoy a positive experience while also making sure they stay safe in and around the water.

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Swimming is a beneficial form of exercise for all ages and populations. It can be done by people at any level of fitness. Swimming can be done with or without equipment and is a low-impact workout that can help those who are rehabilitating injuries or who may have medical conditions worsened by high impact exercises like running or jumping sports.

History of Swimming Essay:

Swimming is an ancient activity that has been enjoyed by humans since prehistoric times. It is believed that swimming originated as a survival mechanism, with early humans learning how to swim in order to cross waterways for hunting and gathering purposes.

The first recorded evidence of swimming dates back to 4000 BC, with stone age cave paintings depicting people swimming. In ancient Egypt, swimming was also used for religious purposes as seen in hieroglyphics and paintings depicting people swimming in the Nile River.

During the Greek and Roman empires, swimming became a popular recreational activity. The Greeks even built various public swimming pools known as “palaestras” which were used for both exercise and military training.

In medieval times, however, swimming lost its popularity due to religious restrictions and the belief that immersing oneself in water could lead to illness. It wasn’t until the 19th century when swimming made a comeback as an organized sport, with the creation of swimming clubs and competitions.

In 1875, swimming became an official Olympic sport at the first modern Olympics in Athens, Greece. Since then, it has become one of the most popular Olympic events, with various styles and distances being added to the competition over time.

Today, swimming is not only a competitive sport but also a recreational activity enjoyed by people of all ages. It offers numerous health benefits, such as improved cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and stress relief.

Furthermore, advancements in technology have allowed for the development of specialized swimwear and equipment, making swimming even more accessible and enjoyable for both amateurs and professionals alike.

In conclusion, the history of swimming is a long and fascinating one, with various cultural, practical, and recreational aspects shaping its evolution over time. From ancient survival technique to modern-day sport and leisure activity, swimming has stood the test of time and continues to be an integral part of human life.

So, whether you’re an Olympic athlete or a casual swimmer, the water is waiting for you to dive in and experience the joys of swimming. So let’s keep enjoying this wonderful activity that connects us with our ancient roots and brings people together in a fun and healthy way. Happy swimming!

Happy Swimming !

Benefits of Swimming Essay:

Swimming is a popular water sport that has gained immense popularity over the years. It involves moving through water by using limbs or special devices such as flippers and snorkels. Swimming can be done for recreational purposes, competitive sports, or even as a form of exercise. In this essay, we will discuss some of the benefits that swimming offers.

Firstly, swimming is a low-impact exercise that is easy on the joints and muscles. Unlike other forms of physical activity, such as running or weightlifting, swimming does not put stress on the body. This makes it an ideal form of exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels, including those with injuries or conditions that restrict their movements.

Secondly, swimming is a great cardiovascular workout. It involves using large muscle groups in the arms, legs, and core to propel the body through water. This increases the heart rate, which in turn improves blood circulation and strengthens the heart muscles. Regular swimming can also reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes.

Next, swimming is a great way to build strength and endurance. The resistance offered by water is much greater than that of air, which means that the body has to work harder to move through it. This resistance helps in building muscle strength and improving overall endurance. Moreover, since swimming involves using multiple muscle groups at once, it provides a full-body workout.

Apart from physical benefits, swimming also offers mental health benefits. It is a great stress-reliever and can help in reducing anxiety and depression. The rhythmic movements and focus on breathing while swimming can also have a calming effect on the mind. Additionally, being in water can create a sense of weightlessness, which can be therapeutic for those with joint pain or chronic illnesses.

In conclusion, swimming is not just a fun activity but also offers numerous health benefits. It is a low-impact exercise that is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Regular swimming can improve cardiovascular health, build strength and endurance, and have a positive impact on mental well-being. So next time you hit the pool, remember that you are not just having fun but also improving your overall health. So, start swimming today and dive into a healthier lifestyle!

Swimming Speech Ideas:

• The Benefits of Swimming: Swimming is a great form of exercise that offers numerous physical and mental health benefits. It is a low-impact activity that can help improve cardiovascular health, build muscle strength, and reduce stress levels.
• Types of Swimming Strokes: There are four main types of swimming strokes – freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, and butterfly. Each stroke targets different muscle groups and can be used for different purposes, such as speed or endurance.
• Swimming Techniques: To become a better swimmer, it’s important to learn proper swimming techniques. This includes breathing patterns, body position, and arm and leg movements. Improving technique can not only help with performance but also prevent injuries.
• Overcoming Fear of Swimming: Many people are afraid of swimming, whether it’s due to a traumatic experience or simply not being comfortable in the water. Overcoming this fear can be a challenge, but with patience and practice, anyone can learn to enjoy swimming.
• Swimming for All Ages: Swimming is an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from young children to seniors. It’s a great way for families to bond and for seniors to stay active and maintain their mobility.
• Swimming as a Competitive Sport: For those who are more serious about swimming, it can be pursued as a competitive sport. There are various levels of competition, from local meets to the Olympic Games, providing opportunities for athletes to showcase their skills and compete against others.
• Swimming Safety: As with any water activity, safety is of the utmost importance when swimming. Proper supervision, knowing how to swim in different bodies of water, and understanding rip currents are all crucial for staying safe while swimming.
• Swimming as Rehabilitation: Due to its low-impact nature, swimming can be a great form of rehabilitation for people recovering from injuries or with certain physical limitations. It can help improve range of motion and strengthen muscles without putting too much strain on the body.
• Swimming as a Social Activity: Swimming can also be a fun social activity, whether it’s taking a water aerobics class or joining a swim team. It allows for connecting with others who share similar interests while staying active and healthy.
• Discovering the World Through Swimming: Finally, swimming can offer unique opportunities to explore different parts of the world. From snorkeling in tropical waters to participating in open water races, there are many ways to experience new cultures and environments through swimming. So why not dive into this versatile activity and reap its numerous benefits? Happy swimming!

Essay on Swimming Pool:

Swimming pools are artificial water bodies that are designed for recreational purposes. They provide a safe and controlled environment for people to swim, relax and have fun. Swimming is not only a popular sport but also a great way to stay fit and healthy. It has numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being.

One of the major advantages of swimming is that it is a low-impact exercise that is gentle on joints and muscles. This makes it a suitable form of workout for people with injuries, chronic pain or mobility issues. It also helps in improving cardiovascular health by increasing heart rate and improving blood circulation.

Moreover, swimming is a great stress-reliever as it releases endorphins, also known as ‘happy hormones’, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety. It is also a great way to socialize and spend quality time with friends and family, making it a popular choice for get-togethers and parties.

From an early age, children should be encouraged to learn how to swim as it not only teaches them a valuable life skill but also builds their confidence and discipline. Swimming can also serve as a form of therapy for children with special needs, helping them to improve their motor skills and coordination.

In conclusion, swimming pools have a significant impact on our physical, mental and social well-being. They provide a fun and refreshing way to stay active and healthy while also promoting relaxation and social interaction

Essay on Swimming Competition:

Swimming is a popular sport that has been around for centuries. It involves propelling oneself through water using the arms and legs, while trying to cover a certain distance in the shortest amount of time possible. Over the years, swimming competitions have become increasingly popular, with professional swimmers competing at national and international levels.

History of Swimming Competitions

The history of swimming competitions dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks. They used swimming as a form of exercise and entertainment, with races being held in natural bodies of water like rivers and lakes.

In the 19th century, competitive swimming gained popularity in Europe, with the first recorded competition taking place in England in 1837. The sport continued to evolve, with various organizations being formed to govern and organize swimming competitions.

Types of Swimming Competitions

Today, there are several types of swimming competitions that cater to different skill levels and styles. The most common ones include freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and individual medley races. There are also relay races where teams compete against each other.

Swimming competitions can take place in indoor or outdoor pools, and distances vary from 50 meters to several kilometers. The most prestigious competitions include the Olympic Games, World Championships, and Commonwealth Games.

Rules and Regulations

Swimming competitions follow strict rules and regulations to ensure fair competition. Some of the rules include starting with a dive, touching the wall at the end of each lap, and staying within designated lanes. Any violation of these rules can result in disqualification.

Training for Swimming Competitions

To compete at a high level in swimming, athletes must undergo rigorous training regimes that include daily swim sessions, strength and endurance training, and proper nutrition. The goal is to build strength, speed, and stamina while perfecting the techniques required for each stroke.

Benefits of Swimming Competitions

Participating in swimming competitions has various benefits, both physically and mentally. It improves cardiovascular health, builds muscle strength, and increases flexibility. It also teaches discipline, resilience, and teamwork.

In conclusion, swimming competitions have a rich history and continue to be a popular sport around the world. They offer an exciting platform for athletes to challenge themselves and compete against others while promoting physical and mental well-being. Whether you are a professional swimmer or simply enjoy swimming as a hobby, there is something for everyone in the world of competitive swimming. So next time you have the chance, dive right in and experience the thrill of a swimming competition firsthand!

Essay on Swimming for Class 2:

Swimming is a popular water sport and recreational activity that has been enjoyed by people for centuries. It involves moving through water using the arms and legs while floating on the surface or underwater. Swimming is not just a fun activity, but also an important life skill that everyone should learn.

There are various types of swimming styles such as freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, and butterfly. Each style has its own unique technique, but the basic concept remains the same – move through water using coordinated arm and leg movements. Swimming can be enjoyed in pools, lakes, rivers, or oceans depending on one’s preference and skill level.

Swimming has numerous physical and mental benefits. It is a great form of exercise that engages multiple muscle groups and improves cardiovascular health. Regular swimming can also help in maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Moreover, it is a low-impact activity that puts minimal stress on joints, making it suitable for people of all ages.

Apart from physical benefits, swimming also has positive effects on mental well-being. It is a relaxing activity that helps in reducing stress and anxiety. The feeling of weightlessness in water can be therapeutic, especially for individuals with chronic pain or injuries. Swimming also promotes social interaction and teamwork, making it a great way to bond with family and friends.

Swimming is not only a recreational activity but also an important life-saving skill. Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death worldwide, and knowing how to swim can significantly reduce the risk. It is crucial for children and adults to learn basic swimming techniques and water safety rules in case of emergencies.

In conclusion, swimming is a fun and beneficial activity that offers physical, mental, and social benefits. It is also an essential life skill that everyone should learn. Therefore, parents should encourage their children to enroll in swimming lessons at an early age, and adults should also make an effort to improve their swimming abilities. So, let’s dive in and enjoy the wonderful world of swimming!

Narrative Essay about Swimming:

Swimming has always been a part of my life since I was a young child. My parents enrolled me in swimming lessons at the local community pool when I was just six years old, and from that moment on, it became my favorite activity.

I remember feeling nervous as I stepped onto the diving board for the first time. The water looked so deep and never-ending, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of fear. But once I jumped in and felt the cool water against my skin, all my worries disappeared. From that moment on, I was hooked.

As I grew older, swimming became more than just a fun activity for me. It became an outlet for stress and anxiety. Whenever I had a bad day or needed to clear my head, I would head to the pool and swim laps. The rhythmic motion of my strokes and the feeling of weightlessness in the water always brought me a sense of calm.

In high school, I joined the swim team and discovered a whole new level of competitiveness within myself. I pushed myself to become faster and stronger in the water, and it paid off as I broke multiple school records and even qualified for state championships.

Even now, as an adult, I still find solace in the water. Swimming has become a form of meditation for me, allowing me to disconnect from the chaos of everyday life and focus solely on my breathing and movements.

I am grateful for the opportunities that swimming has provided me and will always cherish the memories and lessons it has taught me. It is more than just a hobby – it is a part of who I am.

The sport of swimming has also taught me important life skills such as discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. The countless hours spent training in the pool have taught me the value of hard work and dedication. And being a part of a swim team has shown me how to work together with others towards a common goal.

Moreover, swimming has also introduced me to some of my closest friends. The bond formed during early morning practices and grueling swim meets is like no other. We have cheered each other on through victories and supported each other through defeats.

But perhaps the greatest lesson that swimming has taught me is the importance of perseverance. There have been times when I wanted to give up, when the water seemed too cold or the laps seemed never-ending. But I pushed through and came out stronger on the other side.

Swimming may just seem like a simple act of moving through water, but for me, it is so much more than that. It has shaped me into the person I am today, and I will always be grateful for its impact on my life. So, I encourage everyone to dive in and discover the joys of swimming – you never know what it may bring to your life.

Q: Why is swimming important in our life essay?

A: An essay on why swimming is important in our life would discuss the physical, mental, and social benefits of swimming, as well as its practical uses, such as safety and survival skills.

Q: What is a short paragraph about swimming?

A: Swimming is a versatile and enjoyable activity that provides exercise and relaxation. Whether in a pool or open water, it offers a refreshing and liberating experience.

Q: What is swimming in your own words?

A: Swimming, in my own words, is the skill and art of moving through water using various strokes and techniques, offering both therapeutic and competitive opportunities.

Q: Why do people love swimming?

A: People love swimming for the weightlessness it provides in water, the opportunity for exercise and relaxation, the social aspect of swimming with friends or in a team, and the cooling relief it offers on hot days.

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My Favorite Sport Swimming Essay In English For Students

All my friends enjoy playing sports like soccer, basketball and baseball. But my absolute favorite to participate in is swimming. In this essay, I’ll explain what makes swimming a great activity and why I love it. I’ll share some reasons why it brings me joy and keeps me healthy. By the end, you’ll understand why swimming will always be my top choice for sport!

Table of Contents

An Essay About My Favorite Sport: Swimming

What initially drew me to swimming is how free it feels to move around in the water. (Topic sentence) Gliding through each stroke transports me to a magical underwater world. I can explore styles like front crawl, backstroke and butterfly while building skills. Races with friends add an exciting competitive edge, too. Being weightless yet strong in the pool allows one to express creativity in new ways other sports can’t match. Simply playing around makes swimming a blast each time!

Total (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Body Workout

Another major plus is how swimming engages my whole body for a challenging workout. (Transition) From powerful kicks to full arm pulls, even my core gets a squeeze with every lap. (Topic sentence) Water’s resistance targets muscles in a low-impact manner, too. No other activity leaves me feeling tired yet rejuvenated like swimming does every day. Keeping my endurance and strength fit while having fun makes swimming win over other options.

Lifelong Sport

One final thing I appreciate about swimming is how it promotes an active lifestyle anywhere, anytime. (Topic sentence) Unlike some sports limited by weather, equipment or fields, all swimming takes is me and available pool space. This accessibility means it’s a skill I can enjoy from childhood and carry through adulthood. Swimming opens opportunities to bond anywhere while keeping my mind and body in shape for many years. That lifelong value seals its place as my top sports favorite.

In closing, with its total body workout, stress-free nature and ability to bring me joy anywhere, swimming has shown itself as the perfect activity. I look forward to developing my skills and competing against myself each practice. Whether spending time with friends or laps alone, swimming allows me to express myself in ways no other sport can match. It will forever be my sport of choice for all these reasons and more!

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Why I love swimming

I've written around the subject of swimming without talking much about the doing of it, perhaps because writing is so at odds with what swimming is. But I like a challenge – I swim in cold water, of course I like a challenge – so I'm going to plunge in.

Before that, let's stand at the side of the pool in our swimming costumes; it's as near naked in front of strangers as most of us will ever get. (I've taken advice and am saying no more.) I understand that for some people even putting on a costume is difficult, too revealing. The only thing I have to offer here is my limited and anecdotal experience, and for me it's key to the whole thing. It's this: nobody is judging. Or if they are, they're doing so silently (and then hopefully drowning in their own bile). Pools feel egalitarian. It doesn't seem to matter what your costume is like; it doesn't seem to matter if you're old or young, big or small, if bits hang off oddly, or you don't have all of them. It doesn't matter what the past [flubbles lips] years have done to you. It doesn't matter what you've done or not done during those years. There will be nobody chasing you up and down yelling "but your legs are fat and your head's too small and you look …". Unless you pay them to do so, in which case you probably need help.

So I shove my costume on, stick my chin up and stand there, the same as everyone. And yes, OK, we mostly do all have our arms crossed. But here is my body out in the air, and no one is falling over laughing or turning away in disgust. We are all equal in a swimming cap, as I've been known to say.

I like the "c" word. Community. I'm part of a community defined by this one thing and nothing else. I swim with people I've known for ages, but I don't know much about them outside of this one thing. Identity is irrelevant. That can feel quite liberating. Am I a mother, a partner, a success or failure? Who knows. In the pool, we all just do what we're capable of, whatever that is. And once you're swimming, no one else is counting, no one muttering "she didn't do much" or "she's slow". We're all here, is what counts.

The first bit of a swim is my favourite: the glide. I put my shoulders under and ready myself, lift my feet behind me to connect with the wall and push off, arms arrowed ahead and body … for a few seconds … suspended. Even in the thinking, I can feel the wall under my foot, really trying to get this bit right because it's so satisfying, a good glide. In my mind I'm a line, aerodynamic and forceful. Then engage. Pull the first arm back, kick a foot, start the clockwork, head still down before the first breath is needed. As I do the first length, my body starts to wake up, realising what is required; my immediate feelings are about how everything is today, the mechanics of me and it. At the start I'm a little slow. If I was a car, I'd still be in first gear.

At the end of the first length I stop, hold on to the bar for a minute and look back to the start. I'm here, I'm in, I'm doing this thing. My breathing has shifted into the right place; any slight cold-water heart-race or panting has calmed down. I'm deciding again what's already decided: shall we swim? Yes, let's. I'm ready. Let's go.

Then I'm conscious swimming. My head engaged, fixed on what my body is doing. Finding the flow, the catch, spearing my arm in. A physical mindfulness, and for a person who still hides behind the bike sheds for most "organised sports", it's a revelation. Whatever I feel about my body, right now it'll do nicely. I can start to stretch out and enjoy how clever I'm being. Imagine being able to do this – how ridiculous! It's like I can fly! How on earth did it happen? I'm in a rhythm, held by the water. I could go and go, swim to Birmingham in this state. I start to really pull back as my catch drops, and give it some power. I roll consciously into each reach, going for the next rung on the ladder. Then I'm in fifth gear.

And I start to notice and enjoy little visuals. Tilting my head as I breathe, getting that view right across the water's horizontal. The sun, if there is one, glancing off my wet arching arm. The rain, flicking and pinging the surface.

Then comes the real mindful stuff. Maybe "mindless" is a more apt word: when my body's cruising and my head goes elsewhere, solving, chuckling to itself, thinking – or actually not. Nothing. Like dreaming or being nowhere. Suddenly a leaf hitting my goggles wakes me, reminds me to invent windscreen wipers for outdoor swimmers. And then I'm back and I'm done and I get out, water runs off me and I pad to the shower, conscious of my physical self again.

When I'm swimming, I'm in the moment fully, purely experiencing. I float free of all the shit I carry around (I'm tempted to say "literally" at this point, though of course not exactly). I'm entirely, elementally myself. Let the day chuck everything it has at me. I'm right in it, alive. I'll make time to feel alive again tomorrow.

Now how about you? What are the things that pull you back to the pool time and again?

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Swimming essay

Swimming essay , contains important and valuable information about swimming and its importance physically and psychologically as well as many other benefits of swimming, which you will find here in Swimming essay .

Everyone has a favorite hobby but many people prefer to swim  because it is fun and useful at the same time and here you will know the benefits of swimming under the title of Swimming essay.

Swimming is a fun activity for many people, especially in the summer. Swimming provides great fun when playing with friends and is one of the most beneficial and less dangerous sports for those who know how to swim well.

People usually swim in order to enjoy their time, but it is possible to swim beyond the level of play or fun only to get many benefits from it such as;

Weight loss or maintenance, these are considered the most famous swimming benefits but it is not the only benefit. Muscle building and formation, water is thicker than the air more than ten times and therefore water is resistance to help build muscle, as happens during light weight load, if you want to build muscle without appearing as weight lifts or reduce fat around the muscles, you have to swim.

Swimming helps to solve breathing problems because of the moisture in the air you breathe while swimming. The body adapts to swimming and increases the volume of your lungs. It also helps you improve your breathing, which helps you even in your daily life.  As we know that the oxygen we get is essential to all parts of the body, including the brain.

Swimming gives its practitioners much more flexibility than those who carry weights and exercise in gyms. Swimming unlike gymnasts ,it moves the muscles of the whole body at the same time without moving each muscle separately. Swimming is usually described as a sport for those suffering from injuries, especially in the lower body, such as knees. The swimming reduces trauma and weight on the knees and back, unlike other exercises such as jogging, so it is also good for the elderly.

The benefits of swimming are not limited to physical benefits, as the psychological aspect also has its share of the benefits of swimming. It helps to relieve tension and anxiety and to have some fun, especially when exercising in groups. Swimming is also a relaxing sport, as it is in yoga, in addition to cooling, especially in the summer, and reducing the feeling of heat and sweating during exercise, which may prevent some of the exercise.

In this way we have given you swimming essay in English ,and you can read more through the following section:

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Paragraph on Swimming

Students are often asked to write a paragraph on Swimming in their schools. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 200-word, and 250-word paragraphs on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

Paragraph on Swimming in 100 Words

Swimming is fun in the water. You move your arms and legs to go forward. You can float on your back or your tummy. Sometimes you wear goggles to see underwater. It’s important to learn how to swim to be safe near water. Swimming pools have clean water to swim in. You can splash and play games with your friends. Remember, always have an adult watch you swim. Swimming helps you stay healthy and strong. So, jump in the water and have a great time swimming and enjoying the coolness on a hot summer day!

Paragraph on Swimming in 200 Words

Swimming is a fun activity that many people enjoy. When you swim, you move your arms and legs to stay afloat and glide through the water. It’s important to be safe while swimming, so it’s essential to have an adult nearby or wear a life jacket if you’re not a strong swimmer. Some people swim in pools, while others swim in the ocean or lakes. Swimming can help you stay healthy and strong because it’s good exercise for your whole body. It’s also a great way to cool off on a hot day! Remember to always listen to the lifeguard’s rules and never swim alone. Swimming can be a great way to make new friends and have fun with your family. So, grab your swimsuit and goggles, and jump into the water for a splashing good time! Just be sure to practice your swimming skills and always be safe in the water.

Also check:

• 10 Lines on Swimming
• Essay on Swimming

Paragraph on Swimming in 250 Words

Swimming is a fun and healthy activity that many people enjoy. When you swim, you move your arms and legs in the water to stay afloat and move forward. It’s a great way to stay active and cool off on a hot day. Swimming can improve your strength, flexibility, and endurance. It’s important to always swim in a safe area, like a pool with a lifeguard or a designated swimming area in a lake or ocean. Remember to never swim alone and always have an adult watching you. Learning how to swim is a valuable skill that can save lives in emergencies. There are different strokes you can learn, like freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly. Each stroke has its own techniques and benefits. Whether you’re swimming for fun or training for a competition, it’s important to practice and improve your skills. Some people even become professional swimmers and compete in races all around the world. So, grab your swimsuit and goggles, and dive into the wonderful world of swimming!

That’s it! I hope the paragraphs have helped you.

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Home / Essay Samples / Sports / Swimming / The Story of My First Swimming Experience

The Story of My First Swimming Experience

• Category: Sports
• Topic: Swimming

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