Swimming

Swimming is one of the most popular sports and exercises in the fitness and athletic world. It is a simply the movement by hands and feet through water and can be performed by children and adults alike. Swimming exercises can be useful as well as a recreational sport.

History of Swimming

Since prehistoric times, swimming has been an integral part of human culture. There are 7000 years old Stone Age paintings depicting swimming activities. Written records of swimming dates back from 2000 B.C. and there are references in the Odyssey, the Bible, the Gilgamesh, the Iliad and Beowulf.

The first swimming book, The Swimmer or A Dialogue on the Art of Swimming (Der Schwimmer oder ein Zwiegespräch über die Schwimmkunst) was written by a German professor of languages, Nikolaus Wynmann in 1538.

Around 1800, competitive swimming using breaststroke began in Europe. In western swimming competitions, the trudgen was introduced by John Arthur Trudgen in 1873. In 1896, swimming became part of the first modern Olympic Games in Athens. The front crawl was introduced by Richard Cavill in 1902.

The world swimming association, Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) was formed in 1908. In the 1930's, Butterfly swimming was developed and became a separate swimming style in 1952.

Competitive Swimming

The main aim of competitive swimming is to be the fastest in a given distance. There are 34 events - 17 female and 17 male events which are recognized by the IOC. In the Summer Olympic Games, there are 13 swimming events for competition held in a 50 meter pool. The competitive strokes in swimming are the backstroke, front crawl or freestyle, breaststroke and butterfly.

Recreational Swimming

Recreational Swimming is an ideal way to relax which involves full-body workout. Some of the most popular styles are side stroke, dog paddle, head up front crawl and breaststroke.

Swimming Exercise

Swimming is an excellent exercise as there is less stress on the bones and joints due to support of the body in water. It is an ideal exercise for rehabilitation for disabled and injured people.

Resistance swimming is done for training purposes as well as for therapeutic reasons. Swimming is an aerobic exercise which requires regular oxygen supply to the muscles. It helps in reducing the harmful stress effects. It also develops a strong lean physique often known as a 'swimmer's build' and improves posture.