Swimming is leisure for some, but it is also one of the best ways to become fit and healthy. Swimming benefits people of all ages as it is easy to do and inexpensive. The activity does not require you to be a professional or an expert swimmer as there are water routines that you can do without needing to dive in or swim in an Olympic size pool. Another good thing is that people can attain positive mental wellbeing. Adults who are between 19 to 64 years of age are required to have at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity every week while children need to have an active lifestyle as well.
For people with health conditions, it is imperative to seek your doctor’s approval before trying any physical activity. Children must be strictly supervised by an adult while doing activities in the water.
1. Swimming is a Whole Body Workout
One of the biggest health benefits of swimming is the fact that it promotes a whole body workout from head going down to your toes. Swimming is the best way to increase heart rate while avoiding too much physical stress. Athletes usually do swimming routines to tone their muscles, increase strength, and build endurance. It does not matter what type of stroke you use as swimming in the water makes the entire muscles of your body works.
2. Good for the Heart
As you do swimming for weight loss you are also exercising your cardiovascular system. This is the best activity to strengthen your heart and lungs. It can reduce the risk of death related to chronic diseases like heart diseases as it can lower blood pressure and sugar level.
3. Best Exercise for Physical Challenged Individuals
Swimming good for you if you are physically challenged meaning you are experiencing an injury, arthritis, or any ability that hamper your mobility. However, activities with people who are in these conditions should be closely monitored by professionals. Some studies show that swimming can reduce the pain and increase the recovery rate of patients who suffer from injuries.
4. Recommended for People with Asthma
People suffering from asthma can take advantage of the health benefits of swimming. Aside from relaxation, the humid environment inside the pool area is ideal for people with such conditions. Swimming will also teach you several breathing exercises like holding breath to expand the lungs and control your breaths. However, some researches do not recommend swimming for asthmatic people as chemicals used in the pool can increase the risk of asthma attacks.
5. Safe Exercise for Pregnant Women
Swimming benefits pregnant women as the additional weight can put a great toll on their joints and muscles. Physical activities in the water can help support this additional weight making it easier for pregnant to move. It can aid them to feel comfortable and at the same time use swimming for weight loss or avoid gaining weight during pregnancy.
6. Improve Sleep
Water can offer a different kind of relaxation that is why it is a recommended activity for people suffering from insomnia. According to a 2010 study, swimming good for you if you are experiencing difficulty in sleeping.
7. Fun and Healthy Activity for Kids
Children are very active and they are required to do at least 60 minutes of exercise every day, but doing it might make them feel bored. If you want to introduce a healthy and fun activity at the same time then swimming benefits children too as it can aid in their cognitive and motor skills development.
8. Improve Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
Buoyancy will make you float in water and this can help patients suffering from multiple sclerosis or MS. A study conducted shows result in decrease pain for patients with MS after taking part in a swimming program that runs for 20 weeks.
