5 Tips For Adults Taking Swimming Lessons

Although many people may try to discourage you, learning to swim is a skill that can be mastered at any age. However, the age you begin your lessons can have an impact on how you learn. Indeed, given that it is ideal for people to learn to swim during childhood, learning to swim as an adult can be quite an arduous task for some. Nevertheless, difficult is not impossible. That said, here are five tips for adults learning to swim.

Dealing With Past Trauma

Studies have shown that the reason many adults never learn how to swim is due to either a single incident or even multiple traumatic experiences as a child. Moreover, although these incidents may have occurred many moons ago, they can still have a crippling effect on your ability to learn to swim, among other things. Therefore, before learning to swim, it may behoove you to seek therapy in order to gain some perspective if you have experienced traumatic events in your lifetime.

Patience Is Key

Moreover, while it has taken you many years to learn the skills you have developed throughout your life, it will also take some time to learn how to swim. Don’t be discouraged if you are not learning as fast as you had hoped; sticking with it is the most crucial element to learning how to swim properly.

Haste Makes Waste

In keeping with that notion, pushing yourself is also a terrible idea. On the one hand, in order to learn to swim, you will have to be willing to be at least a little uncomfortable. However, if you know for a fact that you are not mentally or physically prepared to execute the step, politely explain this to your instructor. No matter how skilled your teacher may be, you will not learn if you are unwilling or unable to try the next step.

Know Your Learning Style

There is no cookie-cutter method of teaching anyone anything. We all have different advantages and barriers to learning. However, by finding out if you are more of a visual, aural or hands-on learner, you can better help your teacher instruct you in the most efficient manner. For instance, those who learn better by watching might want to watch the instructor before trying the moves themselves. On the flip side, those who learn better by doing may just want the instructor to stay in the water with them the entire time.

Get Comfortable

Lastly, although it may seem minuscule, making sure you’re comfortable during your lessons is essential to being mentally and physically prepared to engage in the lesson. Be sure to purchase your favorite swimsuit, towel, goggles, etc., so you are fully prepared to take on each and every lesson.

Overall, there are plenty of things to be mindful of if you are an adult trying to learn to swim. In addition to making sure you have dealt with past trauma, and being patient with yourself and the process, it is also imperative not to allow yourself to be pushed beyond your limit and to be aware of your learning style before signing up for lessons. Lastly, make sure you are comfortable and confident with your chosen swimsuit as being insecure or embarrassed by your appearance can put a major damper on your ability to achieve success.