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Why Choose Swimming?
One of the most unique aspects of Swimming is that it is one of the few
sports that almost anyone can make a lifetime commitment to. The
low impact nature of the activity in a fluid environment make it an
ideal exercise program regardless of your age or physical
condition. While other
exercise activities can cause undue stress on joints and muscles for
some folks, swimming can
easily be done at any level of fitness or conditioning by just about
anyone.
Swimming is particularly
useful to folks who are recovering from almost any sort of injury or
discomfort.Whether you are simply trying to improve your level of fitness, or seeking to qualify for a National Iron Man event, you should be able to find a place in US Masters Swimming that will suit your needs. The health and conditioning benefits of swimming are often cited as making it the best form of exercise available. Increased strength, endurance, respiratory and circulatory activity, and flexibility are only some of the benefits of using swimming as a regular exercise program. Swimming is also one of the few sports where a consistent level of fitness can be maintained well into a body's 50's or 60's. It is not all that uncommon for swimmers in these age brackets to swim times as fast, if not faster than those they accomplished in their teens and 20's. While everyone cannot achieve these feats, it does clearly indicate a long term ability to benefit from and enjoy swimming. There is no skill level requirement to participate in a US Masters Swimming program. The age requirement is 18 or over. Even if you are learning how to swim you will be able to find a place in US Masters Swimming. USMS and affiliated programs provide a tremendous amount of information and expertise in adult swimming. Most facilities associated with USMS have highly trained and experienced coaches that will provide a program that will meet your specific needs. Group practices are typically structured to meet the needs of all participants. So if you are feeling a bit unsure of how your performance will be viewed at practice, we urge you to give US Masters Swimming a try. Most programs will allow you to visit a few practices before making a financial commitment (when there is a need for it). Swimmers are a very friendly bunch, and the team environment usually develops a family atmosphere that can really boost confidence both in and out of the water. You can use the SMS Teams List to help you locate a USMS team or club near you in Louisiana or Mississippi. If you need to locate a team outside of the SMS region try starting with the USMS Local Programs listing. You will likely find representatives of these teams very willing to answer any questions you may have regarding their activities. Joining a team does not mean that you need to participate in competitions. But it is important to understand that you will be able to contribute a great deal to your team, especially at the local meets, no matter what your fitness level or athletic abilities are. A good way to be introduced to USMS Sanctioned Events is to attend one either as a team supporter, or as a casual visitor. You may also wish to volunteer as a "lane timer". Most SMS meets are always in need of lane timers and anyone who wishes to take on the task is usually welcome to do so. The only skills you need to be a lane timer are the ability to push a button, operate a stop watch, and write down the time on a form. Most facilities, especially at Championship meets, are equipped with computerized electronic timing. In those cases the lane timers job is strictly that of a back-up, so there is a lot less pressure. You need not be a member of USMS to volunteer as a lane timer at any SMS event. Taking
The Plunge
If you are still trying to decide if USMS and SMS are right for you then it is suggested that in addition to visiting the links below you try the following: Visit a team or club practice. Most teams allow visitors in their practices. This is by far the best way to meet other masters swimmers and ask them questions about what they do in USMS. Visit a local USMS sanctioned swimming event (spectators are usually granted free admission). This is another good way to meet folks and ask them about USMS. It will also give you an idea of how events you might be curious about are managed. Talk to folks already hooked on swimming. Use the SMS Contact Information page to make a connection. Someone from either the Southern LMSC or Team organization level will be happy to answer any questions you have that may not be covered on this web. If you are unsure that you want to participate in competitive events, and you volunteer at (or even simply visit) any USMS sanctioned competition, you will probably know by the end of the event if competition is for you. Please keep in mind that competition is purely optional. Your membership in USMS in no way obliges you to participate in competitive events. Please be sure to read the USMS FAQ if you are new to US Masters Swimming. The USMS web is filled with articles and information about adult swimming. If you are looking for a place to swim try: Places to Swim In USMS More Introductory Information On The SMS Web SMS FAQ Your First Swim Meet The USMS Competitive Process |