Swimming involves numerous
techniques, strategies and practices. Different individuals think and feel
differently about swimming. Consequently, the concepts, notions and ideas
regarding swimming vary greatly. If you have been learning and practicing swimming
for quite some time now, you must have come across contradictory opinions and
judgments about both swimming and swimmers. Now, while it is perfectly OK to
hold opinions, it is in no way, desirable for a swimmer to believe in any of
the myths surrounding swimming. Since most people commit the mistake of drawing
conclusions depending on their personal experiences, the myths that make their
rounds are in plenty. As a swimmer, you should know only what is right and then
decide, depending on suitability. So, here’s busting some of the common myths
about swimming for you to have clear knowledge about this amazing sport.
Eating Within Two Hours of Swimming Leads to Cramping
This is a very commonly held
misconception that most swimmers believe in and follow rather strictly. You
must have seen swimmers around you not eating anything long before the start of
a swim session. This is particularly followed during races and competitions. On
the contrary, keeping your stomach empty for as long as two-three hours is
never recommended by experts, especially for swimmers who have a very low
percentage of body fat. Of course, you are not supposed to eat anything too
heavy or fatty as that has chances of making you feel uncomfortable in the
waters. But an energy bar can work wonders in letting you develop a solid block
of energy that eventually gets released allowing you to have a prolonged
session with high intensity.
Pulling with the Paddles Helps You Become a Better Swimmer
Paddles help in pulling
quicker but experts imparting you with the Omaha swimming lessons will always discourage you
to use these tools. Paddles can actually turn out to be dangerous for the
inexperienced and technically challenged swimmers. Using paddles create an
increased surface area, putting unnecessary pressure on your shoulders and
making them prone to pain and injuries.
Proper pulling is initiated
when there is a preload on the latissimus muscles and that should be done
without the paddles. Swimmers using paddles end up exerting too much pressure
on their rotator cuff muscles as well as the triceps. Another disadvantage of
practicing with the paddles is that when you stop using them, you are most
likely to swing off right at the back of the set. So, the lesser you use
paddles, the better you are as a swimmer. Consult your expert and learn about
alternative stroke styles and techniques in order to improve your ability of
pulling in the waters.
Kicking Does Not Help in Forward Propulsion
This is perhaps the greatest
misconception about swimming techniques that have become popular. The
importance of kicks often remains unrecognized by the swimmers. The reality is
just the opposite. Legs help in propelling ahead just as much as the arms do.
In fact, swimming experts with years of coaching are of the opinion that the
faster you kick, the faster you are in the waters.
Swimming is Not Meant for the Too Small Kids
With the number of parents
enrolling their kids for swimming lessons increasing these days, many people
are still apprehensive of how the waters will treat their little ones. The fact
is that swimming can be taught to not just the young kids but also infants and
babies because they actually have a natural inclination to swim. So, when
taught with guidance and in the right manner, they will learn faster and have
chances of growing up to be great swimmers in the long run. These days, you
have swimming schools offering programs that allow parents and kids to learn
swimming together. Such an environment will be conducive for both you and your
kid, helping you get rid of all worries about the safety of your child.
Apart from the ones mentioned
above, there might be other myths as well. Always make it a point to talk to a
professional with considerable experience of swimming before developing an
opinion of your own, based on false concepts and wrong information that are too
many out there.
