Swimming has been named the perfect exercise. After all, you can get all of the benefits of an aerobic workout without any damaging impact on joints, and it can be done by both the very old and the very young. Athletes stay sarong and fit, can recover from injury and all you need is you and a body of water.
#1
WHOLE BODY WORKOUT
One of the best benefits of swimming is that it truly works on your entire body from head to toe.
You’ll be increasing your heart rate without stressing your body, toning muscles and building on your strength & endurance.
#2
VARIETY
The spice of life right? When it comes to your swimming you can literally get a whole variety of workouts depending on your stroke of choice. Each focussing on a different muscle group, and with gentle resistance, you can really connect to your body as it moves through the water.
#3
CARDIO
Whilst your muscles are getting a good workout, your cardiovascular system is, too. Swimming can make your heart and lungs strong and the sport is so good for you it can even reduce your risk of death, lower blood pressure and control your blood sugar.
#3
EVERYONE CONSIDERED
Swimming can be a safe exercise option for people that are suffering from injury, impacted by disability or arthritis, and any other issues that may require low impact exercise.
Swimming may even help reduce pain and improve the rate of recovery from an injury. It is often a recommended form of rehabilitation that poses little risk of further injury.
#4
MOOD LIFTING
If you’re in a difficult mood, jump in the pool. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says swimming improves your mood. It also helps decrease anxiety and depression, and can improve mental health.
#5
CALORIES BURN
Swimming is a really efficient way to burn calories, and as we mentioned, of low impact and stress on the body. Depending on the stroke you choose and your intensity, swimming can burn equal or greater calories than running.
Additionally, you don’t have to worry about sweat
in your eyes. For example: for 10 minutes of swimming you burn 60 calories with the breast stroke, 80 calories with the backstroke, 100 calories with freestyle, and an impressive 150 with the butterfly stroke. Tp put that into perspective, running a 10-minute mile burns around 100 calories. Therefore, a strong 30-min butterfly speed session can burn 150 more calories than running a 5K in the same time frame.
#6
ASTHMA APPROPRIATE
Swimming is a great sporting option for people with asthma. You can expand your lung capacity and gain control over your breathing. It would be important to consider the chemical content of the pool…or get out to the ocean instead. Not only does swimming help alleviate asthma symptoms, studies have shown that it can actually improve the overall condition of the lungs.
#7
SLEEP BENEFITS
Some studies have shown that swimming can help you have a better quality night sleep. It’s a great aerobic choice of activity that is suitable for all types of people and different abilities.
#8
STRESS MANAGEMENT
Swimming is a potentially powerful way to relieve stress quickly.
It’s an amazing natural endorphin kick, and who doesn’t love those! Swimming can bring about all those feel-good emotions and In addition to the happy hormones, you also can feel a relaxation response similar to yoga. As your body stretches and your breathing becomes rhythmic, you can find
#9
PERFECT FOR PREGNANCY
There can be many rewards for both the mother and the baby in swimming, and it can be enjoyed in all three trimesters, unless activity is restricted for some. In some studies pregnant women who swam during their early to mid-pregnancy had a lower risk of preterm labor and congenital defects. Not only that but for the woman, it can relieve the weight of the baby, supports the whole body and can be really relaxing and soothing.
#10
SWIM FOR LIFE
Because water supports SO much of your body weight, reducing pressure on the bones and joints, swimming is a great option for nearly anyone, at any age. The benefits of swimming can be enjoyed far into your senior years.
#11
ACCESSIBLE & AFFORDABLE
Swimming is easily accessible for most, be it in the ocean or a local pool. It’s generally inexpensive (free if you are beachside!) and it demands a swimmer only go at their own pace and suit their capabilities.