We have changed habits. A little bit of the pandemic, a little bit of the emphatic increase of individual impasses that don't heal either... the discounts, have turned us into pleasure hunters with a positive imprint. That is, it is as if we make individual corporate responsibility in our lives.
With the ultimate goal of well-being and a better old age, I discovered the joys of swimming with Lifeguard certification near me. No, no, I didn't become a winter swimmer but, for almost a year now, I swim 3 to 4 times a week. Under the guidance of Kostas Deveron's, I struggle to learn – simple for many, difficult for me – tricks to swim better and offer myself an incredible exercise and wellness experience.
Is it hard to be a swimming pool instructor?
Like all jobs related to coaching, swimming has its weariness and difficulties. But when there is love, passion and passion, all these are details. The satisfaction and feeling of fulfillment that comes from interacting and improving your students is something that cannot be described in words, it is wonderful!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to take up swimming?
It is no coincidence that exercise is prescribed in many foreign countries, with the sport of swimming playing a dominant role, as, according to research, it is the sport of longevity. Starting any new sport and learning new skills requires patience, concentration, dedication and effort, let alone in the field of athletics, where things are more difficult. The athlete is not in his natural environment, he needs to be buoyant and synchronize his breathing with his swimming arms and his movement in general. It is important to position his body correctly (hydrodynamically) in order to reduce resistances and move efficiently.
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It's not easy, but it's really worth it. By learning the correct technique, athletes gain confidence, improve their performance, acquire a valuable resource for life and a beautiful and enjoyable way of exercise that helps maintain good physical and psychological health without injury.
Does swimming have an age?
Swimming is perhaps the only sport that can be done effectively throughout a person's life. From the very first months of life a baby can practice swimming through baby swimming programs. It then takes on the dimension of learning in childhood and sports or championships from adolescence onwards.
Adults can improve their quality of life by participating in the sport of swimming by participating in learning programs, swimming groups and aqua aerobics programs. Swimming is suitable for people in the third age, as well as the elderly, due to its special nature and the safe environment where it is carried out.
Why do they say it is the most suitable exercise for all ages?
In addition to what was mentioned above, the great advantage of swimming is that it does not burden the athlete's musculoskeletal system, as it does not have vibrations and does not stress the joints. With proper technique, it prevents the possibility of injury and is an enjoyable form of cardio and muscle strengthening for people of all ages and abilities.
In addition, swimming activates more muscle groups than any other aerobic exercise. Although it is not as strenuous as similar intensity sports, it is doubly beneficial for the heart and the venous network, while activating the flexibility and mobility of the joints for any movement pattern on land.
What made you take up swimming?
From a young age I had a passion for the liquid element and sports, so swimming was essentially the answer to my need for contact with water. When I was 8 years old, my dream was to become a lifeguard, I liked to think that I would spend all day at the beach swimming, helping people and saving lives in danger.
Ever since I can remember, when I'm in the water (sea or pool), I feel like I'm in my natural environment, an inexplicable happiness takes over me.
Do you do championships?
No, I do not do championships, in the narrow sense of the term. I coach guys who do. I do sports, I train daily in the pool with demanding programs, I have taken part in many open sea races of medium and long distances with success and distinctions in Greece and abroad. In addition, in recent years I have been participating in Panhellenic veteran championships with the "Oceanus" team.
Does swimming socialize?
Engaging in the sport of swimming is a wonderful way of socializing in the whole range of its sports sections. More specifically, adults participating in group programs (learning classes, aqua aerobics) usually become a nice group with common interests and common goals, escaping the narrow confines of the course, which often extends to group sea excursions and outings.
Athletes of developmental ages create strong friendships, shape character and it is no exaggeration to say that in the end they end up like a big loving family with strong emotional bonds. Swimming unites its athletes and helps them to be the best version of themselves.
If you weren't swimming, what would you like to do?
The truth is that I haven't thought about it, because from a young age I felt that I belonged in the field of athletics. However, I would most likely have taken up painting, as it is something I do as an amateur. It fills me and expresses me.
Championship or coaching?
This is probably the hardest question. Although championships and coaching co-exist in swimming, however, their perspectives differ significantly and are chosen for different reasons.
When we talk about championship, we mean the exclusive occupation with the sport with Lifeguard course near me. It's not easy, it requires you to give your best every day. It takes psychological and physical resilience, self-discipline, stress management and patience. When you do championships, you test your limits, strain, injuries, sacrifices and deprivations are part of everyday life. Despite the difficult conditions, being involved in championships helps you to set and achieve goals, to know yourself and your limits, the joy that comes from performance, achievement and eventual success is something incomparable and intense.
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On the other hand, the role of the coach is multifaceted. In addition to cognitive proficiency in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and psychology, the coach must inspire respect, trust and safety. To get into coaching, you need communication skills and contagiousness. The coach himself must have dynamism, determination, composure, self-control and emotional maturity under any circumstances. The coach must be a role model for the athlete, have empathy and a high index of emotional intelligence.