The benefits of swimming
certainly keep yourself active in a pool when such
Sharron Davies was a full international at 12, an
things as rugby, athletics and football might be out of
Olympian at 13 and double Commonwealth Gold
the question.”
medalist at 15. As a result swimming was never a
recreation for her but a very serious pursuit and
“Apart from the physical benefits learning to swim
career. So how does Sharron think swimming can
and improving your swimming demands a mental
contribute to a healthy active lifestyle?
resolve and discipline that can only be beneficial. I'm
not talking about the daily five hour sessions I went
through, but the gradual determined improvement
that eventually sees better times and distances
TASK:
achieved. These are easily measurable accounts of
Take three different coloured pens and
where you are at and the feeling of progression is
highlight when you think Sharron describes;
always a thrilling one.”
• A physical benefit
“Setting aside time and applying yourself to a sport
• A social benefit
and exercise such as swimming is a great habit to get
into. There are more distractions in life than ever and
• A mental benefit
more sedentary activities to derail even the best
intentions. If that is allowed to happen you'll be doing
yourself no favours. We are already seeing alarming
“I believe swimming is the ideal recreational sport for rises in obesity and type II diabetes. Set aside the time
everyone. First and foremost it is a life skill. It could to get in the pool, have fun, make swimming a part of
quite easily save you one day or allow you to save your life and the benefits will be with you for
somebody else and what price can you put on that? your life.”
And a fear of water or an inability to swim can be so
restrictive as you go through life. It is also a very
sociable, fun and inexpensive pastime ideal for family
and friends to do together . Pool time costs little and
all you need is a costume to swim in.”
“Recently I've been helping to front a campaign to
make free swimming available and hopefully it will roll
“In physical
out across the country. It's not about trying to find the
terms the
next champion, but just ensuring as many people as
possible have access to this healthy leisure pursuit. benefits are
And if future medalists are identified through it so
much the better!”
clear and well
documented.
“In physical terms the benefits are clear and well
documented. Swimming is a superb total body all-
Swimming is a
round exercise. A good swim is an effective all-in-one
strengthening, toning and cardiovascular exercise.
superb total
And its non impact, non weight bearing nature also
body all-round
makes it ideal for rehabilitation work - you can
exercise”
TASK:
Think of different aquatic sports that can
stimulate the following for participants;
• Cooperation
• Competition
• Physical challenge
• Aesthetic appreciation
• Development of friendships and social mixing
IMAGES COURTESY JOHN DIETRICH
www.johndietrich.co.uk
MAY 2009 : SPORT IQ 14-16 25
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