Swimming is a beautiful sport that offers enormous benefits for the body and mind (it is the most practiced in the world for a reason). Everyone has their reasons for swimming. Some for fun and others to get in shape or lose a few kilos. Some because they are tempted by competition and others because they want to relax. In fact, swimming is a great way to reduce stress, ease tension, and break bad moods, and it can be done alone or in a group with Lifeguard Training.
What is better? It depends on what you are looking for in swimming.
Swimming alone we better explore our limits by having more intimate contact with the water. Abandoned to our thoughts and facing challenges and goals individually. On the other hand, group water activities allow us to make friends. Strengthen team spirit and learn both to collaborate and to compete. To each his own. Now, if you are a beginner, it is highly recommended to start with a qualified instructor. Who will teach you a good technique for the four styles (front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly)? Once you have mastered at least two styles, you can start a training program two or three times a week, always under the guidance of the instructor. It is better to avoid self-taught solutions in addition to being ineffective, they can even be harmful.
swim laps
Free swimming in the pool can be done in dedicated lanes and on certain days and times. At that time you can be in the water as long as you want, using the style you want and without instructions from the monitor. You may have to share the lane, but in that case, it is enough to follow a few rules of courtesy so as not to bother each other. For example, you must use the street that suits your abilities, swim following the traffic, and stay to the right. Don’t jump when someone is approaching the edge. Slow down and wait in the corner next to the curb if you are going to be passed.
group courses
On the other hand, if what you want is to make friends, meet people, have fun and share goals and results, the best solution is to sign up for a course. For beginners, group work (which should not exceed 6-7 people) is aimed at feeling safe in the water and acquiring basic swimming and breathing techniques. Once you master the basics, it’s time to design a program. If you like the water but are afraid of getting bored, you can also follow courses in aerobic activities such as gymnastics or water cycling, where they will make you move to the rhythm of the music to make the exercise more varied and brighten up your day.
First of all, perseverance.
Whether you decide to swim alone or with adventure partners, your first goal should be perseverance. First, think about how much time you have so you can design a realistic schedule (2-3 times a week is perfect). For intermediate swimmers, the ideal would be to swim at least 30 minutes without interruptions with a regular heart rate and correct posture.
Do you already know what type of training best suits your preferences? Do you want company or do you prefer to take a few strokes alone?