Exercise
The Gift of Swimming
By
Nov 25, 2009 - 5:25:39 PM

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - One of the greatest gifts parents can give themselves and their children is swim lessons, say aquatics experts at Indiana University. "It's the best total body workout you can get, and it's suitable for all ages, ranging from toddlers to the elderly," said Emily Ward, director of aquatics at the Division of Campus Recreational Sports in IU's School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. "Swimming opens up a new world of health opportunities." In most communities, swimming lessons are available for children and adults. "If there is a pool, then you can find lessons," Ward said. Compared to kids, learning to swim is more challenging for adults, said Ward and Kellen Edelbrock, assistant director of aquatics, but not impossible. Adults are more intellectual about learning to swim. Unlike kids, adults tend to identify themselves with certain tasks and get their minds fixed in place with certain concepts, such as 'I can't swim.' "Kids are fearless," Edelbrock said. "With adults, you can see their brains working and watch as they put their head in the water."

Here are some considerations about adult swim lessons:

People of any age can learn to swim.
The amount of time it takes for adults to learn to swim varies from person to person. Non-swimmers who grew up around water or swimming as a child usually progress faster than adults with limited experience around water. Edelbrock said students can make noticeable progress during the eight-session program at Campus Recreational Sports.
The first step is to increase the comfort level that adults have in the water. Ward said relaxing activities such as conversing with a friend while walking across a pool or while stading still in the water are helpful.
Non-swimming adults who want their kids to be safe in the water are encouraged to enroll their children in swim lessons. "Don't handicap the child," Ward said. "Break the cycle."
Ward and Edelbrock said the biggest obstacle adults face is simply getting started and into a comfortable routine. "It's scary to do something we are not sure we can do," Ward said. "It's hard to see yourself as a swimmer when you are a non- swimmer."

Ward can be reached at 812-855-9693 or emiward@indiana.edu. To learn more about adult swim lessons offered by the Division of Campus Recreational Sports, visit http://www.iurecsports.org/swim_adults.

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