Let’s take a look at some of the amazing benefits of encouraging your kids towards joining a swim team. If you’re reading this, chances are high that you love to swim. For your kids, the chances are even higher. Of course, it can be tough to find time to take a dip during the colder months. Plus, with everyone going back to school, who has the time? That’s where the swim team comes in.
In today’s post, we’ll take a look at some of the amazing benefits of having your kids join a local swim team. Your local area certainly has plenty to explore.
Back to School? Back to Pool!
If your kids attend a school with its own swim team, you’re in luck! When treated as a sport, doing a few laps can go from a brief season-long distraction to a year-round activity. If your kids come in from a busy day and just plop down on the couch, they might be craving some activity – even if they’re not aware of this themselves. There have been several academic studies that explore the link between activity and academic achievement. Contrary to old adages about jocks and nerds, it turns out that having a strong mind and body are one of the true keys to success.
It’s true! Take a look at this study from the Journal of School Health. This 2009 study found that physically fit kids scored better on standardized math and English tests than their less fit peers.
Here are just a few of the health advantages to swimming:
- As an exercise, swimming is tough to beat. You see, it’s a full body workout.
- Don’t worry about buying any expensive special equipment. All you’ll need is a bathing suit and a towel! In a way, joining the swim team seems downright economical compared to other sports.
- In addition to working your entire body, it causes significantly less wear-and-tear on you than other sports.
- Beyond exercise, swimming is just an excellent survival skill. After all, life can be dangerous. Knowing how to swim could end up saving you or your child’s life. Keeping that in mind, swimming lessons is one of the smartest safety decisions you can make.
To learn more about the amazing health benefits of swimming, read this detailed blog post.
Why Swim Alone? Joining a Swim Team!
So, we’ve explained the health boons of swimming, but let’s talk about teamwork. Group activities are a wonderful opportunity for children. Joining a swim team creates an environment in which your child can meet other kids their own age and potentially develop lifelong friendships. What’s more, they’ll learn the invaluable life skill of good sportsmanship. Having a dedicated support team can help from the sidelines too! You may swim alone, but hearing new friends cheer you on is an excellent way to build a child’s self-esteem.
Finding a Swim Team Outside of School
Of course, many children may not have access to a school swim team. That’s okay, as there are other options available. For this information, we’ll return to our friends at USA Swimming, the group we mentioned earlier. Our regular readers know that this organization provides us with our monthly national drowning statistics. It also is the National Governing Body for the sport of swimming in the United States.
Check out this page to find a swim team in your local area. They’ll be able to provide you with information and contact details. Now get out there and swim!
