Monday, September 26, 2011

Nisha Millet's Tips on Swimming - Bangalore Swimming Classes

For most parents, swimming is a top favorite as an extra-curricular activity for kids. Not only does it result in a good build and growth for most children, it's also a great life skill to know and a sport with minimum chances of injury. In Bangalore, there are several good coaches who organize swimming lessons for children. However, parents are often in a dilemma about when to start swimming classes for their kids and how often. MetroMela spoke to swimming champion Nisha Millet, the first Indian swimmer to qualify for the Olympics in 200 meters freestyle and an Arjuna Award winner. Millet organizes coaching camps for children and adults throughout the year and loves to make swimming a fun exercise for kids.

wilton classes

Getting your kids to swim...

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* Five is the perfect age to start swimming lessons for your child. It's difficult for kids below that age to figure out underwater breathing techniques and follow instructions.

* If you have kids below the age of five who love water, take them to a baby pool and let them splash around to their heart's content. You can teach them to do fun things like blowing bubbles. Millet advises not to try to submerge their heads under water when they are young.

* Never force your child to learn swimming. They should enjoy what they are doing.

* One hour in the pool a day is a good enough exercise.

* Swimming is a sport that burns calories, so do not stop your child from eating unless he or she is obese. Once the kid is above 10 years, then there can be a focus on the right diet.

* For kids above 10 years, exercises like jogging and light weights are recommended.

* Let swimming be a fun exercise for your child. If they are happy to enjoy it as a sport but not keen on competition, do not force them. On the other hand, if the child has potential and both the parent and child are willing to train for competitions, be prepared as it's tough balancing studies and training.

* There's no need to stop swimming lessons for your child through their exams. Swimming for even half an hour can act as a great stress reliever. "I always swam through all my exams," says Millet.

* Joining a swimming class is a good way to calm down a hyperactive child.

* Before you put your child in a swimming camp, make sure the water is treated, is clean and there are lifeguards around. Most classes allow parents to sit and observe.

Where to learn...

Nisha Millet's Swimming Academy

The academy is currently holding camps in Catholic Club, Karnataka Golf Association (KGA) and Bowring Club. Swim camps are held throughout the year at these clubs and are open to members and non-members alike. There are camps for beginners (kids and adults) and advanced kids. Fees vary from club to club. For instance, one month advanced camp for kids costs Rs. 3,000 at Catholic Club. Classes are held Monday to Friday and before joining, Millet checks out the kid's swimming abilities. To make it a fun exercise for kids, Nisha does relay races and fun competitions. If she spots talent, she refers them to Basavanagudi Aquatic Centre for further coaching.

Swimlife

Run by Ekalavya awardee and ex-international swimmer Satish Kumar, they hold classes even for infants, starting from one year olds up to the age of two, along with a parent. Instructor Satish Kumar has undergone special training from US regarding this and teaches kids at their own pace. Due to the weather, the infant classes are held between March and May. There are regular classes held for children above five years in beginner, intermediate and advanced categories. Classes are held at St. Joseph's High School, Koramangala Club and DPS South. The fees for these are Rs. 1,500 for two weeks but may change depending on the venue. The charges for infant and parent classes are Rs. 3,000 for a month.

PM Swimming Class

Jayanagar Swimming Pool

Classes are held at Jayanagar Swimming Pool between 4.30 PM and 5.30 PM for six days a week. Monday is a holiday. They have trained instructors and two batches for children. Five year olds and above can join. The fee for beginners is Rs. 1,600 for two months and for advanced classes Rs. 2,000 for two months.

Nisha Millet's Tips on Swimming - Bangalore Swimming Classes

Bangalore Swimming has been written by Reshmi who writes for MetroMela

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