How to Swim Laps as a Beginner

Swimming laps offers a low-impact way to exercise many muscles in your body that you might otherwise neglect. Unlike some other exercises, you can't learn to do it correctly by only watching another person. You would miss the details, such as how to swim on opposite sides of the body and appropriate lane-use etiquette. Do your homework and learn to swim laps correctly before jumping into the pool.

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose the "Slow" lanes. Ask the lifeguard which lane you should use if no sign exists. Choose a lane with no swimmers or with a swimmer closest to your speed, if there is more than one slow lane.

    • 2

      Focus on rolling your shoulders and staying horizontal. This reduces water resistance and propels you forward. Extend your arm fully. Point your fingers downward so they enter the water before the rest of the arm.

    • 3

      Roll your shoulders and arms farther back behind you than feels natural. Worry less about how fast you stroke and more about executing a complete stroke each time.

    • 4

      Imagine a line extending from the top of your head to your tailbone by looking down into the water. Pivot your entire body when you breath, not just your head. Swim with one side of the body at a time instead of on your stomach.

    • 5

      Count one lap every time you swim the length of the pool and back. Write down how many laps you swim each time, then forget about them. Only record laps to show improvement over time and not to judge how well you've done on a particular day.