Whether you're the next Michael Phelps or just know how to row, swimming is a great way to keep fit. Learning to swim of the Lifeguard Class is often the only hurdle you have to face, but with time and consistent effort, it can be an easy skill to acquire that comes with a multitude of benefits in return. Here are reasons to consider diving into an exercise routine that includes swimming:
Full body
commitment
Swimming is known to be an exercise that works
the entire body with almost all muscle groups activated. This results in toning
of the muscles, gaining strength and endurance, and improving overall fitness.
Supports
heart health
Swimming has been found to reduce the risk of
disease and improve cardiovascular health. Since swimming works your entire
body, it requires increased blood flow to all your muscles, causing your heart
to pump harder. Combine that with the fact that you're often holding your
breath and you have a recipe for a hard-working cardiovascular system.
Low impact on
the joints
Unlike running, biking, or other activities,
swimming takes place in a completely different medium: water! This allows for
less impact on the body, specifically the bones and joints, making it an ideal
form of exercise for those with arthritis, injuries, or disabilities.
Burn Calories…
FAST
Who doesn't like to burn calories efficiently? Swimming for a kilometer and a half, which is 66 sections of a traditional 23-meter pool, burns about 400 calories. Compared to walking/running (100kcals per 1.5km) and cycling (25kcals per 1.5km), swimming for exercise seems like a no-brainer!
Exercising
without sweating
Usually, when you finish a heart-pumping
workout, your body is drenched in sweat, but not from swimming. Being in a pool
allows the body to remain at a constant and cooler temperature compared to
training on land. However, it's important to stay hydrated because even if you
don't feel like you're sweating, you're still losing water!
Improve sleep
Because swimming is highly aerobic, it requires
a lot of energy. Most adults find it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep
during daily aerobic activities like swimming.
Lifts the
mood
Regardless of whether you're doing a distance
swim or leisurely paddling through the water, swimming has been shown to
improve mood. Exercise, in general, has shown
effects that increase mood and reduce anxiety and depression. Adding swimming
to your weekly regimen will not only make you look good, but it will also make
you feel good.
Can help
during pregnancy
Swimming during pregnancy has been shown to
help with complications and increase the physical and mental health of the
mother. Many women reports enjoying getting in the water during pregnancy as a
way to relieve bone and joint pain due to the “weightless” feeling of floating
in a pool.
Helps you
stay cool
In the summer months, it can be hard to stay
cool. Taking a dip in your local pool, lake, or river can be a great way to
regulate your body temperature on a hot day. Just be sure to practice water
safety wherever you choose to dive.
Fun for all
the ages
Just like adults, children love to take a dip
in the pool. Involve them in swimming lessons, join a local summer with Lifeguard classes league,
or play in the pool to keep them busy and active. It serves as a great form of
exercise for them too!
Learn more about swimming: The most complete sport that can exist
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