Learning to swim with a personal trainer

Embarrassed that you haven’t quite found your water wings yet? Shying away from invitations to swim the French Polynesian lagoons due to lack of water confidence? You’re not alone.

The shame of not being able to swim unaided can leave us feeling isolated and awkward. But it’s far from out of the ordinary: according to the Amateur Swimming Association, around nine millions adults in England alone are unable to swim.

Swimming lessons aren’t how you remember them at school. They’re not just for tiny tots and keen kids, but adults of all ages. The best way to do it is learning to swim with a personal trainer and Holmes Place Art of Swimming sessions is the perfect solution.

Art of Swimming follows the Shaw Method, founded in 1987 by Steven Shaw, that applies the proven principles of the Alexander Technique to swimming. In these personal training sessions you’ll learn to swim in a way that keeps your spine and body in perfect alignment. Glide gracefully through the water, improve your health and master one of the most profound life skills.

What are the advantages of learning to swim? 

1.    Life skill. First and foremost: you could save your own live by learning to swim. You could also save the lives of others.

2.    Boost overall fitness. Growing into a confident swimmer will enable you to increase your fitness levels, build muscle tone, flexibility, stamina, increase core strength and help with weight loss.

3.    Easy on joints. Swimming is one of the most gentle forms of exercise, giving you a full-body workout without even realising. There’s no impact on your elbows or knees, which is music to the ears of those with joint problems.

4.    New adventures. Think of those times you’ve sat at the edge of the pool, wishing you could join in the with aqua classes on holiday or splash about with your family and friends. Think about missed opportunities of swimming in the clearest turquoise waters speckled with tropical fish. By gaining swimming skills you too can enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Why learn to swim with Art of Swimming?

There’s no “kick, kick, kick” sergeant-style drills here. A personal trainer will gently guide, encourage and provide you with that much-needed confidence in the water. Classes are at your pace - not those of a whole class - so there’s no pressure or the stigma of not being less advanced than other learners.

Your personal trainer is there to listen to your individual needs - which is exactly how it should be when you’re learning to swim. They’ll prepare and plan a personalised program, accounting for your capability and health needs, then set achievable goals.

For many, the thought of being mocked by others is possibly the main reason non-swimming adults have never asked for help. By accessing personal trainers, you’ll eliminate all of those worries, allowing you to focus on you and your skills.

I have fear of drowning. Can I still learn to swim confidently?

You can be reassured that you’re in the safest hands learning to swim with a qualified Art of Swimming coach. Unlike crowded group swimming lessons, your personal trainer only has you and your safety in mind. Their empathy and understanding in this area will enable you to relax and gain confidence. 

So you have some swimming skills but want to develop your swimming?

Beginner, intermediate or advanced: learning to swim with a personal trainer will guide and motivate you to increase your water-based skills and reach your goals. Your personal trainer will take you seriously, can spot areas of concern, help prevent injury, maximise your time and will monitor your health. Take the plunge and make the most of it with the Art of Swimming sessions.