• So many swimmers jump in the pool and swim back and forth without a plan. If you’re looking to improve your swimming, this is certainly not the best way to train! You want to be following specific workouts, so Mark is going to be showing you how to design and structure your own swim workout!

  • In this talk, Dr Seiler explains in words and pictures how modern exercise physiology laboratories reveal the body’s remarkable capacity for adaptation. He also tells us about the “laboratories” developed by athletes and coaches since the start of the Cold War in the 1950s. The laboratory of the scientist and the laboratory of the coach/athlete come together as Dr. Seiler describes his own journeys back and forth between them. By connecting the power of both, we have learned why “no pain no gain” is a slick slogan, but a fundamentally flawed approach to getting faster and fitter over time. Stephen Seiler has spent years studying the training habits of great endurance athletes. What he discovered has shattered the myths he grew up with in the US. Let him tell you why going “green” is also important for building endurance sustainably.

  • Film Producer and ISL fan Alex Blavatnik discusses how ISL is changing swimming for the better.

  • KSBY’S annual Season of Hope is coming to a close this week.

  • The physical benefits of swimming are well documented: it’s a cardiovascular workout that employs many muscles which are otherwise under-utilized. And that’s just for starters. But what of its mental advantages, of which there are many? And as an activity beloved of children, how do these positives manifest in the young?

    kids swimming sunglasses photo

    Here are just some of the mental benefits of swimming for children:

    Swimming stimulates mental development

    Swimming is an assault on the senses, with your body literally submerged in stimulation. And that, of course, is to the utmost benefit of a child, who requires this level of cognitive interaction to develop the many key skills that life demands.

    “Key to swimming’s benefits is the advancement of the senses which is critical to a child’s development. This mental stimulation is central to learning, but also social awareness and emotional development too. The physical side of swimming adds to this mental stimulus, as exercise has now been proven to facilitate without a shadow of a doubt,” argues Roger Carnoustie, a lifestyle blogger at Boomessays and Australian help.

    Swimming helps overcome fear

    The vast majority, if not all children love swimming, unless they develop a fear of the water at any early age, which is not uncommon. In fact, a fear of the water is a very natural reaction to have, especially before children develop the ability to swim. That is the very reaction that is required to aid survival. But as that fear is gradually overcome through a familiarity, acceptance and finally conquering of the water, the mental benefits of that growth cannot be underestimated.

    Swimming is also an empowering feeling for your child. The feeling of weightlessness in the water, and the ability to jump into the water and glide back to the surface provides a sense of incredible freedom, both physically, and as a result mentally too. This boosts confidence no end.

    Swimming can be a social activity

    Having swimming lessons can be an immensely social activity, even though swimming itself can be at times solitary (although that is no bad thing either). The ritual involved in going to the pool and getting changed to swim, and then getting changed again after fosters camaraderie and routine, and the unique learning environment that swimming provides is also incredibly beneficial to your child. These social interactions stand your child in good stead for the future, and the benefits of swimming continue to be felt.

    Swimming relieves stress

    Even at an early age we are susceptible to stress, and all the negative mental and physical symptoms that brings. Firstly, as a physical exercise, swimming releases endorphins which are recognized stress busters. The benefits of physical exercise to stress relief are well known. But there’s more.

    “Swimming is also a sport which regulates breathing, in a similar way to yoga. That control over breathing is a powerful weapon in the fight against such problems as anxiety, even in children. Regular deep breaths can help relax us in times of stress, and these skills that swimming teaches can be beneficially applied to real life scenarios too,” says Fran Wozinski, a health writer at Essayroo and Academized.

    When submerged in water, we enter a silent world too. That silent world is also conducive to stress busting, as we feel a surreal oneness with our surroundings that is difficult to mimic.

    Swimming fosters the ability to overcome mental hurdles

    Unlike many other animals, humans cannot swim naturally: it is a learnt skill. And once we learn to swim, we must then seek to improve our techniques to get quicker and more efficient through the water. If you start competing, rigorous training regimes are involved which are focused totally on self-improvement – swimming is a solo sport, after all.

    In short, there are always hurdles to overcome when it comes to swimming. As a child overcomes those hurdles with commitment and determination, that taches a mental fortitude which is essential for life. Once again, the mental benefits of swimming are being realized, and are able to be applied to real-life situations long after you exit the swimming pool. Once again, swimming proves its value.

    Conclusion

    The mental benefits of swimming are numerous. Added to the more overt physical benefits, and considering the fact it is an accessible and affordable activity, you are faced with one of the very best activities open to you and your child.

    Ellie Coverdale is a career writer with State of writing and BigAssignments. Among other skills and interests, Ellie enjoys sharing her job hunting, professional development and wellness tips with her audience. Ellie also teaches writing classes at EliteAssignmentHelp.

  • A bathing suit decency rule that disqualified an Alaska high school swimmer from a race has been eliminated.

    KTVA reports the board of directors of the Alaska School Activities Association voted to remove penalties for swim uniforms that officials deemed “not of decent appearance.”

    In September, a 17-year-old swimmer from Dimond High School in Anchorage was disqualified after winning her race because an event judge ruled that her school-issued swimsuit did not meet modesty requirements.

    The swimmer’s win was ultimately reinstated.

    Read The New York Times

  • With summer rolling around, all you want to do is chill by a gorgeous pool with a cocktail in hand. The only challenge is figuring out where the best pools are located around the world. Needless to say, global high-end hotels are viciously competing to come up with new and interesting swimming pools to attract guests and tourists; so there is plenty for you to choose from. Here is a list of the top 10 spectacular pools that you wouldn’t want to miss when you drop by with your significant other.

     1. The Tank

    Boasting one of the most special swimming pools in the world, the Golden Nugget Hotel in Las Vegas provides you with an experience like no other. Famously named as The Tank, there is a three-story high water slide installed that brings guests through a giant shark tank, giving you the chance to come up close and personal with them while gliding through the water slide. The shark tank houses about 300 marine wildlife, including intimidating sharks and graceful stingrays. Visitors who do not enjoy slides can opt to swim at the lowest level surrounded by the shark tank, providing you with the same eye-opening shark experience.

    2. Perivolas Hotel Infinity Pool

    Situated in Santorini, Greece, the Perivolas Hotel offers a stunning infinity pool overlooking a picturesque view of the beauteous Aegean Sea. The architecture that surrounds the pool is in shades of white, giving you a modern and chic vibe that Santorini is known for. What’s more, the infinity pool gives you the illusion of extending into the turquoise waters of the sea, providing a calming and tranquil spot for guests to collect their thoughts and enjoy a leisure swim.

    3. Six Senses Yao Noi Pool

    Located in Thailand, the Six Senses boutique resort offers the utmost private experience as each affluent villa or suite is equipped with its own infinity pool. Some of it even comes with private decks that offer calming spa treatments for guests. The infinity pool overlooks the gorgeous waves of Phang Nga Bay, and the pristine white beaches at the foot of the hotel. This is truly an experience that you won’t want to miss!

    https://youtu.be/MuKUhqNiITo

    4. Gellert Baths

    Budapest, also known as the City of Spas, is known for its Gellert Baths that can be found in the breathtaking Gellert Hotel. It features 10 pools of varying sizes and temperatures and is characterized by its Art Nouveau setting. Boasting its remarkable decor, it has mosaic-designed tiles for their floors and walls; allowing sunshine to shine through the stained glass windows. One of the most photo-worthy places in Hungary, the Gelert Baths host millions of visitors all year round.

    5. Joule Hotel Pool

    The elegant Joule Hotel is situated in Dallas, Texas. It offers an extraordinary infinity pool that guests can thoroughly enjoy. Situated on the 10th floor, this infinity pool extends over the border of the building, with the front wall constructed with Plexiglass. The unique design of the pool allows swimmers to feel like they are being suspended in mid-air, as they take in the wondrous views of Dallas. The poolside also offers light snacks and drinks, allowing guests to relax and chill.

    6. Ubud Hanging Gardens Pools

    The Ubud Hanging Gardens Luxury Hotel and Spa are found in Bali and feature an extremely out worldly experience for its guests. The Hotel is equipped with a stunning split-level pool that appears to suspend in the wilderness. Providing amazing views of the Pura Penataran Dalem Segara Temple and the luscious foliage of the jungle, this pool ranks as one of the top swimming pools in the world. Furthermore, each villa has its own private infinity pool installed. With a unique experience that allows you to connect with mother nature, many guests flock here all year round.

    7. Four Seasons Safari Lodge Pool

    Four Seasons Safari Lodge in Tanzania gives visitors the opportunity to experience what an African safari is like without having to deal with the fatigue and perspiration. This luxury hotel is situated in Serengeti and provides a free-form swimming pool with views of the watering hole and Serengeti plains. It enables guests to admire the wildlife there, like elephants and zebras; providing them with a one of a kind experience altogether.

     

    8. Tropical Islands Resort

    The Tropical Islands Resort, in Krausnick, Germany, ranks as the biggest indoor water park in the world. This unique indoor water park has a rainforest, a sandy beach, palm trees, swimming pools, and even a man-made sun! The biggest pool is about 4,400 square meters called the “Tropical Sea”, which is made to resemble the waters that you will see on a coral island. This indoor water park will make your visit an unforgettable one, allowing you to frolic in the coral waters while basking in the sun.

    9. San Alfonso del Mar

    A spectacular pool that is currently acknowledged by the Guinness Records for being the biggest crystalline pool globally, it can be found at the San Alfonso del Mar Resort at Algarrobo, Chile. Its size exceeds 900 meters in length and is located on an actual beach just a stone’s throw away from the resort. It boasts of its pristine turquoise waters resembling the sea, as the hotel uses a special technology in order to achieve such uncanniness. Its large area allows for some water fun such as scuba diving, sailing, and kayaking; allowing guests to enjoy swimming in a safer and cleaner environment, compared to the natural seawaters.

    10. Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool

    Located on the little red dot on the map, Singapore’s iconic Marina Bay Sands Infinity pool sits on the 57th floor of the hotel at the border of Marina Bay Sand’s Sky Park. Spanning over 500 feet, it offers a view of Singapore’s Central Business District that is out of this world. Ranking as the biggest pool at such a high point in the world, its pool gives the surreal experience of being literally at the end of the building. What’s more, this hotel boasts of its popularity among Singaporeans as well as travelers from all over the world.

    Not sure where to go for your next vacation? Hopefully one of these spectacular and unique swimming pools has managed to catch your eye. These are especially perfect for a couple’s getaway, and if you are dating an Aries man, these exciting pools will definitely not bore him! Read more on how to tell if an Aries man loves you here https://www.heraspiration.com/signs-an-aries-man-is-in-love-with-you/.

    Guest post by Zoey White

    Photo by keepitsurreal