Buzz
Have you been making strides in the pool for this month’s swimming challenge? If not, it might be because you're unsure where to kick off.
Don’t worry if you’re a complete beginner—there’s still plenty of hope. Many pools, YMCAs, and Red Cross programs offer adult beginner classes. (We followed two participants in a class like this in our How to Learn to Swim as an Adult video.)
But perhaps you already know how to swim and just need a little motivation to start your first aquatic workout. I often turn to swimming routines designed for triathletes. Since a triathlon includes swimming, biking, and running, about a third of those training for one are new to swimming. These individuals are aiming for a solid workout and to enhance their basic swimming skills, which can make these workouts a more approachable start compared to those aimed at seasoned swimmers. For instance, here are three solid beginner routines that will keep you occupied during your first week—or at least until you’re ready for a change.
If you're looking for something simpler, search for videos featuring beginner drills. If you struggle with your legs sinking and find yourself struggling to stay afloat, focus on “balance drills.” These will teach you to press the front of your body down to keep your legs up. That approach was a game-changer for me when I first started. Here’s one example drill:
After watching a few videos, jot down the drills you'd like to try, and seal that note in a plastic bag. (Trust me, you're not the only one who will bring a bag of notes to the pool!) Give the drills a go, do some swimming, and most importantly, have fun in the water!
