Swimming

We have the swimwear for you at www.swimstoreuk.co.uk

Shopping can be a nightmare especially for those who can’t be seen buying anything sexier than a tube sock. Buying swim wear in public, for one, might just be the worst. You’ve got the nosy bystanders waiting to see what you’d pick out from the rack next, the seemingly judgmental store attendants raising their eyebrows every time you ask for a suit in your size, and the mean stores who decided that a common viewing area or central mirror is better than individual mirrors in each dressing room. It’s not only psychologically excruciating but it can also be considered suicide!

Before you get a *serious heart attack* from embarking on your swimsuit quest, you have to look at yourself in the mirror and identify what your assets and “areas of improvement” are. Don’t worry, nobody is around to judge you. And everything that you could think of is only between you and the mirror. I suggest picking out a clean mirror in a room with sufficient lighting so you can’t miss a single flaw, like a minute dimple or stubborn mass of flab. You are your worst critic, however, you should love your body with all its imperfections because if you don’t, who else will?

If you’re faced with a little unwanted tummy or belly bump, stay away from complicated suits and stick to the basics. There’s a perfectly good reason that God hasn’t phased out the one-piece. If you don’t even want to think about details too much, a classic black number would do because black is known to conceal a few extra pounds. But there are quite a number of one-piece suits out in the market today which have elegant and snappy bust bands that capture the eye and create the illusion of a slimmer midsection. Printed suits could also be used to your advantage. Narrow horizontal stripes, for example, add shape at the waist while vertical lines pull the torso in opposite directions causing the body to look longer. Two contrasting colors between a suit and its shirrings across the middle of the body will showcase the waist and draw attention upward. I think the Mineral Blue Ruched Satin Swimsuit from Donna Karan New York would look absolutely flattering on any kind of figure. It has ample top support, a slimming ruched detail that runs from the neckline down to lower hip, and adequate coverage for the back and bottom. The best part about it is that it almost looks like a two-piece.

Whether you have a full or humble bosom, the secret to finding the right suit is to look for something with sufficient support partnered by a flattering cut. Deep and voluptuous cuts and halter necks highlight the shoulders and arms while they provide support. Underwire and neck lines that are parallel to the ground puts everything right where they should be. A triangle bikini top can also be quite the winning piece. The Christian Dior Pink Smocked Houndstooth Bikini Top would give the right amount of lift while its herringbone pattern would add just a hint of class.

For dressing up a slightly heavier bottom, avoid anything that would cut through those hips and thighs such as boy shorts and bum-binding style bikinis. Instead, opt for a moderately high-cut bottom which will streamline the legs and make them appear leaner and longer. You will realize that there’s really no need for extreme measures such as *laser liposuction* just so you could fit into one. Coral Ruffled Bikini Bottoms from BCBG Max Azria have ruffled trims around the hips and plenty of coverage. If that still doesn’t work for you, I suggest you hit the beach in hip and stylish board shorts that aren’t too big nor too tight. The lace-up closure band should rest perfectly on your hips and this will let you move and groove anywhere, anytime. All designer pieces mentioned above are available at www.bluefly.com for your viewing and buying pleasure.

Your body is your blank canvas while the swim suit you put on is your art. Be as creative and as fashionable as you can be, but always put comfort and support first. If you put a suit on and you feel like it’s restricting or it doesn’t hold anything in their place, then you might as well move on to the next one. Your swim wear will only look breathtaking on you if it fits you right.

Check out swimwear and accessories at www.simply-swimming.co.uk

Swimming lessons are an essential part of a child’s education, and whether they learn to swim at school, or at private lessons, being able to swim increases confidence, and can become an enjoyable and healthy total fitness hobby.

For adults who have never learnt to swim, or for those who haven’t been swimming for a long time, why not learn to swim today? Swimming lessons aren’t just for children.

Here are 10 reasons to book swimming lessons, and learn to swim today

1) Swimming lessons, and ultimately being able to swim brings many benefits, such as feeling safe near water, and enjoying being by the swimming pool and feeling confident enough to try other water sports perhaps whilst on holiday. Imagine being able to water ski, or sail a boat, or go sea fishing. Even just being on the beach or investigating rock pools requires a certain level of water safety, especially where children are concerned.

2) Many swimming pools and swimming clubs offer swimming lessons to children as young as 3. Your child is likely to enjoy learning to swim, and will experience a great sense of achievement as they progress from the first moments away from the side of the pool, swimming without armbands, and gaining badges and certificates. Swimming lessons for children are usually around 30 minutes long each, and parents can often spectate.

3) If you didn’t have swimming lessons as a child, you may think that you have missed out on being able to swim, but this needn’t be the case as swimming lessons aren’t just for children. Many clubs have at least one swimming pool, so that you can incorporate your swimming lessons into your fitness routine. If your children are having swimming lessons at school you might want to take them swimming outside of school. If you haven’t swum for many years and you don’t feel confident, you may want to consider organising your own swimming lessons, so that you and your children will benefit.

4) Swimming sessions are often available for parents and children, so that children can get used to the water and build up their confidence before embarking on swimming lessons. Water skills are invaluable, and can be learnt at a very early age. Having fun in the pool is the most important aspect of these sessions, and the emphasis is on playing with toys and games rather than actually learning to swim.

5) Swimming provides many health benefits and a good low impact cardio vascular workout. Swimming is often recommended for those people who are recovering from injury or an operation, as well as those who are unable to undertake other forms of exercise. Swimming can be used as part of a rehabilitation routine, or as a water workout total fitness programme by itself.

6) A water workout is an exercise regime that is carried out in the pool without a swimming instructor. Instead swimming lessons showing exercises and required equipment are on cards so that the swimmer can work through the exercises at their own pace.

7) If you are a confident swimmer, then maybe you are considering swimming lessons to improve your technique. Expert swimming instructors can iron out any posture or stroke issues, and help you swim better. These lessons are longer, and it will be expected that the swimmer is already able to swim.

When choosing swimming lessons, it is important that you and/or your child feel comfortable with the environment and the swimming instructors. If the pool is dirty and has cracked tiles, then maybe you will think that the standard of swimming lessons provided may not be too high. Some people prefer their swimming lessons to be taught by their own swimming teacher, rather than be in a group. Having the instructor’s full attention can lead to quick progress, and any problem areas can be addressed straight away, but there are no others to swim with. If you feel that you or your child would learn best this way, why not see if your swimming pool offers one to one individual swimming lessons.

9) Swimming lessons should ideally lead to certification, such as the ASA awards, so that there is record of progress. Progression leads to confidence and shows how far they have progressed. Also, if you change club, the new instructors will be able to see the ability level and ensure that you are in the right group.

10) A swimming school should employ CRB checked, ASA qualified instructors who are skilled and experienced in providing swimming lessons for all different ages and abilities. Having the capability to communicate effectively is important when teaching both children and adults. The swimmer wants to progress, and the teacher wants their pupil to progress.

Swimming lessons can provide you and your child with new found confidence and skills which could save a life, and will last for life. As well as being a fantastic form of exercise, swimming is great fun and a rewarding hobby. Why not find out more about swimming lessons today, and see what you’re missing out on?

About the Author:
Total Fitness Swimming Lessons are available for all Total Fitness members, and follow the ASA National Teaching Plan. Sign up for lessons today.

Go to www.swimstoreuk.co.uk for swimwear and accessories