You already know that exercising and maintaining an active lifestyle does wonders for you. Being active strengthens your body and mind, and swimming is an excellent activity in order to work out your entire body. A 60 minute swim burns the same amount of calories as running and it might be a bit more fun and easy to do.
We’ve made a list of top benefits of swimming.
Swimming works out your whole body
Probably the most important benefit of swimming. It works out your entire body, from head to toe. Compared to other sports, swimming doesn’t harm your bones and joints in any way. When you swim, you use most of your muscle groups in order to move your body through the water. An excellent full body workout.
Swimming strengthens your cardiovascular system
Not only that swimming works out your entire body, but it strengthens your cardiovascular system too. Swimming makes both your heart and your lungs stronger. It can drastically reduce the risk of heart or lung disease. It can lower your blood pressure and it can help you control blood sugar levels. How amazing is that?
Swimming burns calories
Compared with other activities such as yoga, pilates or elliptical trainings, swimming burns more calories. An efficient way to stay in shape without the sensation of exhaustion of a cycling class, for example.
Swimming might improve your sleeping quality
Just like any other physical activity, swimming can significantly improve the quality of your sleep. Swimming is a good option for older adults who might not be able to workout in a gym but still want to maintain an active lifestyle.
Swimming improves your mood
It’s a well-known fact that sports in general improve your mood. Swimming makes no exception, and studies have shown that even people with dementia can see significant improvements from swimming.
Swimming releases stress
Research has shown that swimming can be a way to relieve stress quickly. The fast-paced lives we live nowadays can often impact our mood, and swimming can be an excellent way to relax and unwind.
Swimming is safe for pregnant women
While not all sports can be practiced during pregnancy, swimming is a safe option if you want to keep yourself active during that time.
Swimming is fit for people with injuries or other conditions
Swimming is an excellent option for people who suffer from disabilities, injury, arthritis or other conditions that can limit the exposure to other types of exercise. There have been studies which show that swimming can actual be very useful for people with certain injuries or joint pain.
Swimming is good for kids
Because it doesn’t feel like a normal workout, swimming can be practiced by children as well. Swimming is fun and can be easily incorporated in a child’s daily routine
Swimming is safe for most people. There are little to no risks associated with it. It’s always best to consult your doctor before starting a new activity. People with certain skin conditions might have to check if the water is purified with any substances that might harm them.
Once you manage to understand the basics, you will see the multitude of benefits swimming has on your body, mind and spirit.
