Swimming


Swimming

Introduction

Swimming is an individual or team sport, or an aquatic activity, and as well as being one of the main events at the Olympics, is considered one of the main forms of keeping fit. Swimming involves using arms and legs to move through the water, and similar to running, increases cardiovascular endurance, as well as muscular endurance. The sport typically takes place in pools or in open water areas; such as in a sea or lake for long distance swims. It can also be combined with a number of other sports, like triathlons, which combines running, riding and swimming. Competitive and leisure swimming typically has four main strokes, however other strokes do exist which are generally used for other purposes, such as side stroke which is used for life saving. 


(Sourced from: https://cdn2.omidoo.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/full_width/images/bydate/201508/swimmingphoto1.jpg )

The Main Four Strokes

All swimming strokes require a streamlined, horizontal body.

Freestyle: The swimmer cycles the arms in a forward motion in alternation, whilst kicking.

(Sourced from: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/29/33_ACPS_Atlanta_1996_Swimming_Jeff_Hardy.jpg )


Backstroke: Similar to freestyle except the swimmer is on their back, cycling arms over their head in alternation, whilst kicking. 


(Sourced from: http://www.enjoy-swimming.com/wp-content/uploads/backstroke.jpg )

 Breaststroke: The swimmer 'frog kicks' with both feet, while sweeping both arms at the same time in a circular motion. 

(Sourced from: http://www.enjoy-swimming.com/wp-content/uploads/breast-stroke-1.jpg )

 Butterfly: The swimmer 'dolphin kicks' with both feet, while also swinging both arms out of water to the front, with the kick and arms in a wave-like synchronous motion. 

(Sourced from: http://www.s-teamegypt.com/images/gal5.jpg )



Health Benefits

 Swimming is a healthy workout that can be done for a lifetime. It doesn't require that much physical strength and is a low impact activity that can be enjoyed by everyone, young and old. It builds endurance, muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness. People can also typically exercise longer in water than on land without increased effort, and minimal joint or muscle pain. Swimming is also linked to lower risk of type 2 diabetes, lower risk of high blood pressure, and lower risk of stroke. 

(Sourced from: http://www.leisurecentre.com/Content/images/Swim%20Lessons%20Children%202_920x550.jpg )


Swimming is an activity that can be enjoyed by anyone, young or old!

Next, I will talk about Running!

By Jack O'Donoghue

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