I want to learn how to swim SO BADLY...any advice??

Question

I'm slowly getting there. I have a lesson on Thursday, but I haven't been in the water in over a year. The last time I was, I was actually swimming...but I just haven't figured out how to turn and take a breath.

What advice would you give me to help me learn faster???

Answer 1

Don't worry about turning - it's practically impossible to learn just by yourself.

Here are my tips for improving your breathing:

First of all, jog regularly.  This will improve your cardiorespiratory strength, which means that when you breathe, you will be able to take a shallower breath.  Gulping down a whole lot of air will always wreck your technique and timing.

Imagine that someone's holding your favorite food right above and beside your head.  When you're breathing, try to imagine reaching that food with your mouth.

Answer 2

If you are talking about freestyle, when you put one arm out then you turn your head to the other side, when you put the other arm out you turn to the other side.  It is very simple once you get the hang of it.  I am not on swim team nor do I take lessons but I love to swim!

Answer 3

If you are going to a swimming lesson, they should be able to show you how to fix up your strokes and make them correct during the lesson.

Basically, when you need to take a breath in the freestyle(front crawl), you freeze your arms when they are both at the surface (in between strokes), then roll onto your side or your back, tilting your head slightly so you can get a breath.

It's kind of hard to explain; if you ask your instructor at your lesson they should be able to show you a little better.