Water Sports

There are a large number of sports that involve water. The following is a List of water sports, divided by category. These categories are based on the relation of the sports to the water. Some of the sports include only one part related to swimming, as for example Triathlon.

Swimming

The aquatic sport of swimming is based on the human act of swimming, that is, locomotion in water by self propulsion, usually with the goal to complete a given distance in the smallest amount of time. There are also swimming competitions based on endurance or precedence rather than speed, such as crossing the English Channel or some other stretch of open water. As a sport, swimming is usually distinguished from other aquatic sports (such as diving, synchronized swimming and water polo) that involve the act of swimming but where the goal is neither speed nor endurance.

The goal of competitive swimming is usually to have the fastest time to complete a given distance. Competitive swimming became popular in the nineteenth century. Swimming is an event at the Summer Olympic Games, where male and female athletes compete in 13 of the recognized events each.

Competitive swimming consist of four different strokes. The different strokes you can swim in a race are the butterfly, breaststroke, freestyle, and backstroke. When all four strokes are done during a race, it is called the Individual Medley.

Water Aerobics

Water aerobics or "waterobics" is the performance of aerobic exercise in shallow water such as a swimming pool. In some areas it is known as AquaFit or "aqua aerobics", and is a type of resistance training.

Water aerobic workouts usually combine a variety of techniques from land aerobics, including walking or running backward and forward, jumping jacks, mimicking cross-country skiing, along with various arm movements. The workout also may incorporate equipment such as flotation belts, specialized water aerobics shoes, flotation devices, & ankle and wrist weights. The exercise can be done with music in water tempo, or without.

In addition to the standard benefits of any exercise, the use of water in water aerobics supports the body and reduces the risk of muscle or joint injury. The mitigation of gravity by flotation places less stress on the joints when stretching, and can allow a greater range of motion. The mitigation of gravity makes water aerobics safe for individuals able to keep their heads out of water, including the elderly. Exercise in water can also prevent overheating through continuous cooling of the body. Most classes last for 45-55 minutes.