BENEFITS OF SWIMMING
March 27, 2020
Written by Karen Stadtmueller
When you hear people say “Swimming is the best form of exercise”, what do they really mean?
Swimming is one of the most beneficial exercises to participate in. Not only is it a life-saving skill that comes in handy during the summer, swimming is an outstanding workout for your entire body at any age. We’re not just talking about Olympic athletes here, when the average person swims laps he/she is firing all the major muscle groups including legs, upper body, core, lats, and triceps. As the swimmer increases in distance and speed, his/her heart rate increases without putting stress on the body, allowing the swimmer to tone muscles, build strength in the pool, and engage strong and healthy lungs. A daily 30min swim regimen has also been linked to lower blood pressure among people with hypertension. With an increase of repetitive practice and interval training, swimmers build endurance, or the ability to swim longer and faster with little to no fatigue.
Swimming and other aquatic activities are excellent options for individuals who are pregnant, overcoming an injury, or fighting osteoporosis. The water allows swimmers to move freely with little impact on joints resulting in less muscle pain than an exercise on dryland. The Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states “Just two and a half hours per week of aerobic physical activity, such as swimming, can decrease the risk of chronic illnesses.” A daily 30min swim regimen has also been linked to lower blood pressure among people with hypertension, and decreases arterial stiffness, promoting heart health. The physical benefits of swimming are undeniably, and many swimmers also report boost in mood, better sleep, and decrease in stress immediately following.
Want to learn more about the benefits of swimming?
Check out these articles from Healthline.com, Time.com and the CDC!
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