While swimming is definitely the best exercise ever, there are people who struggle hard to overcome their fear of water. People suffering from aquaphobia are afraid of being in the water and, therefore, stay away from learning swimming even though they realize the immense value of this important exercise.
If you are one among these people suffering from the fear of water, the first thing that you will need to do is join a reputed Richmond swim club. In case you are a parent, then you are at an advantage because the excellent swim schools let you learn swimming along with your kids. Watching the little one have fun with the water can work best to help you overcome the fear. Here is a list of some exclusive tips on learning to swim without fear, which can definitely allow you to emerge as a good swimmer in the long run.
Rationalize and Never Rush– You cannot learn anything with a fear about it in mind and it applies to everything along with swimming. If swimming is good for your health and if millions of people around the world love this sport, then should there be anything about it to be possibly afraid of? Surround yourself with positivity and set about it. Water is soothing and welcoming and seeing people from toddlers to older ones having fun with it will instill confidence in you. Rushing into it will only increase the phobia. Rely on your trainer to introduce you to the water and the art of swimming in the best way possible.
Improve Your Focus – Small things like the water getting into your eyes can cause you more disturbances and distract your focus from the activity especially because you are already a little apprehensive about your safety. So, initially, try swimming in groups and wear goggles always to ensure that your focus doesn’t shift.
Practice Drills – While you are in the shallow water, hold onto something fixed like the pool ladder; take a deep breath and try to sink yourself. You will realize that it is difficult to get completely under the water even with a fixed and stable object. Now, do the same without holding onto the fixed object. The technique is popularly known as Mushroom Drill. Take a deep breath again, hold your knees and go fully into the water. You will be happy to find out that your body is staying safe on the surface and you are floating.
Work on Your Breathing – Breathing is very important to keep you relaxed because more than often, the tension releases from inside your body. Engage in a breathing exercise daily. Take a deep breath in from the mouth and exhale in the water for about 5 seconds and repeat the process as many times as you need to feel comfortable breathing underwater.
While the above tips can certainly help you overcome the fear of learning to swim, it is only practice that can gradually make you comfortable with the water and eventually enjoy the valuable sport to the fullest.