Hi guys I never learned to swim as a child, and I’ve signed up for adult swim lessons soon. Something I think will help me prepare for the lessons is I don’t know the mechanics/physics behind the motion. So I’m asking
1.) how do people float in water and why is it crucial to swimming?
2.) how do people actually move from point a to b in water while swimming?
EDIT: thanks so much to all who have responded with answers, tips, advice, and encouragement! Trying to read through all your helpful answers ☺️
In: 715
Better not to think about the mechanics/physics now. First step is becoming buoyant, which starts with relaxing. That’s unnatural for any new swimmer, especially an adult, so take it slowly and cede yourself to the instructor who’s seen a lot of different learning styles.
It’s like asking about the mechanics/physics of balance. Your instinct might be to panic. The goal is to get into Zen mode, which is a build up.
Slow & steady wins the swimming race. Getting comfortable enough in the water to relax comes first, then buoyancy, then propelling, then breathing. Incremental steps.
Step 1: Conscious Incompetence. You know you don’t have a clue.
Step 2: Conscious Competence. You start to know for short durations, but you need to think about it first.
Step 3: Unconscious Competence. You do it without thinking. Buoyancy and movement becomes natural to you. Now, you build on your stamina and learn different strokes – some of which are built for speed but require more energy, and others in which breathing is easier, require less energy, but you don’t go as fast.
Step 4: Unconscious Incompetence. The most dangerous step. It’s become so natural to you, you overrate your abilities and get sloppy or reckless. I live at the Jersey Shore. This step is the reason why even the best lifeguards do daily training.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint. No short cuts. You don’t need to be a prodigy.
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