collaborative post | Swimming is easily one of the best exercises on the planet, but many people don’t do it regularly. Here are a few ways swimming can not improve your fitness levels but your overall health and life in general.
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Anyone Can Do It
Firstly, it is an exercise that anyone can do as long as you have a basic level of swimming competency. You don’t have to have a certain level of strength or fitness, and it also doesn’t matter what your age, gender, or overall health is.
It is one of, if not the most inclusive form of exercise out there; therefore, anyone can slip on one of the many two piece swimming suits or trunks and jump into the pool.
Full Body Workout
Swimming is a full-body workout, which means it works everything from your arms, core, and legs to your lungs and heart. This makes it ideal for those who don’t enjoy regular aerobics, running, or lifting weights.
You can also change the stroke you use to work specific parts of your body; butterfly, for example, works your shoulders, legs, and core, while backstroke or breaststroke can be done for long periods and give you a great cardio workout.
Heart & Lung Health
Because of the intense cardio workout you get, swimming is ideal for improving your heart and lung health. You will also feel the improvements in your fitness and lung health in a matter of weeks when you start swimming regularly.
Some research has even suggested that swimming can lower your chances of early death. While not concrete, some studies have shown that those who swim regularly have a longer life expectancy.
Perfect for Those With Ailments/Injuries
One of the biggest benefits of swimming is that it is the ideal way for those with injuries, arthritis, etc, to exercise. The buoyancy of the water allows almost 90% of your body to float, meaning there is little to no impact on your joints.
This also means that it is perfect for those who use a walker, wheelchair, or have another type of disability. Once again, swimming is an incredibly inclusive form of exercise.
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Bone Health
High-intensity workouts and strength training have always been the gold standard for improving bone density. However, since these types of workouts aren’t possible for everyone, swimming is the next best thing.
Some studies have shown that postmenopausal women see an improvement in bone density after swimming regularly for three to six hours a week. However, the same studies pointed to little to no improvement in those who swam for less than three hours.
Workout with Asthma
Working out can be exceptionally tough for those who suffer from asthma. Gyms are not always the best place to exercise if you have breathing difficulties, and whether you have mild or severe asthma, it can quickly ruin a workout.
The humidity of many indoor swimming pools helps those with asthma work out longer. While this is not guaranteed, it is certainly a better option than a regular gym.
Shreds Calories
Swimming is also known as being an exercise that can absolutely torch calories. Many studies have shown that a 160-pound person can burn as much as 400 calories after an hour of low to moderate-paced swimming.
Compared to low-impact activities like walking and yoga, the same person may burn as little as 300 and 180 calories, respectively, working out for the same amount of time.
Improves Your Sleep
While this is a general benefit of aerobic exercise, swimming has been shown to improve your sleep patterns. Many people, especially older people, suffer from insomnia, and swimming is a brilliant way to combat this.
Once again, the low-impact nature of swimming makes it perfect for older people and also those who may suffer with bone-density issues.
Safe During Pregnancy
Whether it be for weight loss or general health management, working out during pregnancy can be difficult for many women. Not only is it potentially dangerous, but the side effects of pregnancy can make working out nearly impossible.
Because of the buoyancy of water, swimming while pregnant is one of the easiest workouts you will ever do. Once again, it is also a great way to relieve the pressure on your joints.
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Affordable
Finally, swimming is incredibly affordable to do. Whether it be at home or a public pool, a swim pass for the day is far cheaper than a gym membership. Speaking of gyms, many offer highly discounted memberships for those just wanting to use their swimming pool.
Plus, if you live near the beach, you don’t have to pay anything at all. Swimming in the ocean can also be a better workout as you have to swim against the currents and the waves. However, you do need to be more careful and take extra precautions.
In conclusion, swimming is one of the best forms of exercise you can do and is suitable for almost anyone no matter your fitness level. If you haven’t started already, there is no better time to hit the pool than right now.
