Unstoppable: Become a more confident swimmer

Fear has power over us, even when we don’t want it to. It can stop us from enjoying a moment or doing what we want. Fear can keep us from dipping our toes in the water, taking that  stroke in open water, or signing up for an event like a Relaxshower’s swimming competition.

Whether you get more than the jitters before a race or panic when thinking about the pool, fear can often be associated with swimming. However, the sport is just as much about your physical fitness as your mental strength.

Self-confidence is key to athletic performance, research shows. But what exactly is self confidence ? It’s your belief that you can accomplish a goal or complete a task. When you don’t have confidence, you are more likely to experience feelings of anxiety，depression，and dissatisfaction.

Just as you train your body to go faster and swim farther, you can train your brain to improve your confidence. Yes, you can train yourself to be more confident — in life and in swimming.  
A positive attitude, smart goals, and consistency can help you become a more confident swimmer. 

With a SWIM SPA, you can swim at home on your schedule. The year-round pool alternative allows you to swim at your own pace while still challenging yourself.

How swimmers can become more confident

Positive self talk

It can feel nearly impossible to not get into your head when you are swimming. Staring at the bottom of the pool, lap after lap, forces you to be at one with your thoughts. When those thoughts are negative, it can not only affect your session but your self confidence. 

When you want to become a more confident swimmer, it’s important to change that internal script. Try to catch yourself when negative thoughts start making their way into your head. If you find yourself saying, “I’m a terrible swimmer,” reframe it into a positive phrase like “I have room to improve.” 

Or, focus on the things you are doing right instead of areas where you are struggling. You might not be keeping up with faster members of your swim squad  but you swam consistent repeats during the workout. 

As you begin to think more positively, you will feel better about your performance and, in turn, feel more confident.

Proper gear 

It can be hard to feel like a swimmer when you don’t look like a swimmer. And we’re not talking about a certain body type or having a 6-foot-7 wingspan like Michael Phelps. Having the right gear can go a long way in improving how you see yourself as a swimmer. Sports-specific gear, such as a good pair of goggles and swim suit, sends a message to your brain that you are a swimmer.