Are You Sinking When Everyone Else Is Floating? Here’s Why


Ever found yourself wondering, "​How do others seem to float so effortlessly while I struggle to stay afloat?" You're not alone, and the answer might surprise you.​

Hi, Mark here. Hope all is well with you.

This week, I am tackling one of the most common questions: ' Why do I sink, and how do I float?'

Understanding Buoyancy: It's All About Balance

Our ability to float largely depends on our body's composition. Fat, being less dense than water, aids in buoyancy, while muscle, being denser, might make floating a bit more challenging. So, if you're lean and muscular, you might find floating more difficult than someone with a higher body fat percentage. But don't worry - technique and relaxation play their part in this too!​

Conquer Floating Anxiety with Relaxation

It's common to feel anxious about floating, but relaxation is key. Remember, the water isn't trying to pull you down; it's there to support you. By learning to relax and trust the water, you'll find floating becomes much easier. Practicing breath control and submersion can significantly boost your confidence and comfort in the water.​

Try These Simple Exercises to Enhance Your Floating Skills

  1. Face Down Floating: Take a deep breath, submerge your face, and extend your arms and legs wide, covering as much surface area as possible. Hold this position as long as comfortable, observing how your body behaves. You might notice your legs sinking slowly; gentle movements can help maintain your position.​
  2. Push and Glide: Inhale deeply and push off from the pool wall, face down, with your body stretched out and streamlined. Glide as far as possible, feeling the water support you. This exercise helps you experience buoyancy and balance firsthand.​

For detailed instructions and additional exercises, check out our full guide: How Do I Float in Water?

Dive Deeper with my 'Beginner's Guide To Swimming'

Ready to take your swimming skills to the next level?

My comprehensive Beginners Guide To Swimming offers:​

  • Step-by-step instructions on various strokes and techniques.​
  • Tips to overcome common challenges faced by beginners.​
  • Illustrations and drills to enhance your learning experience.​

Equip yourself with the knowledge and confidence to enjoy every moment in the water. Click here for an instant preview, or grab your copy here: The Beginner's Guide To Swimming.

That’s all for this week. Happy swimming!

Cheers

Mark

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Hi! I'm Mark, creator of Swim Teach

I've been teaching swimming for over 30 years and I built Swim Teach so that I can share all my knowledge, wisdom and experience from the thousands of swimming lessons I have had the pleasure of teaching. Take a look back through my previous newsletters and see what you missed.

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