Swimming benefits the body in a variety of ways. Not only can a body of water be used to have fun, but it can be used to get an amazing strength training or cardiovascular workout in.
When you get tired of your current workout regimen, do you ever consider hopping in the pool?
If you haven’t, I’ve got some great swimming benefits to share with you!
Benefits of Swimming
One of my favorite benefits of swimming is that it’s very low impact on your body, but can get your heart rate up.
Exercises like running, or HIIT can put a lot of wear and tear on your joints and muscles. Because you are supported by the waters buoyancy, swimming makes exercise a better option for people with joint pain.
Cardiovascular endurance (cardio) is strengthened which involves the lungs, heart and circulatory system. Having a strong heart can heart can help decrease the risk of heart disease, diabetes and overall improve health.
Whole body fitness can be achieved through swimming. It helps strengthen and tone your muscles, manage weight and enhances all areas of the fitness components.
Swimming can help individuals with chronic illnesses such as arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Again it can improve the affected joints without worsening symptoms, because of the low impact.
Mental health is affected in a positive way. All forms of exercise is great for the mind, and swimming is no exception.
During pregnancy, swimming is a recommended activity. The low impact on the joints and muscles can help a pregnant woman feel more comfortable exercising while in the water.
And lastly, it can often help you sleep better at night.
How To Swim
Just because you went swimming a couple times at your childhood friends house doesn’t mean you know everything there is to know about water safety.
The most experienced swimmer can drown.
Some of the information I am about to provide for you is common sense. But you’d be surprised at how many things you may not know when it comes to swimming healthy.
Provided here is a link to the CDC’s website on proper swim health. Please take a look at all of the links, and really take the time to make sure you are safe in the water.
Where To Swim
Okay so you’ve read the benefits and you checked out the health safety information, but you have nowhere to swim.
Don’t worry I’m in the same boat. I keep telling my fiance the first renovation we do on our new home is put a pool in. But until then I have to find creative ways to get my swimming fix in.
Here’s a few different options:
- Ponds
- Lakes
- Rivers
- Oceans
- City pools
- High school pools
- College pools
- Hotel pools (some have day passes)
- Health clubs (you can get day passes here too)
- Apartment pools
- Friend or family members home pool
If you do enough research, or talk to enough people you will find a nearby body of water to get your swim on.
I’m currently going to my little sisters apartment pool with her to get a few laps in and strength training workout.
The benefits of swimming are too great to just not do it. So buy some new suits, or put on the few you already have, and float your way to a healthier you!
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