We often think of swimming as something we do on occasion at our local pool or in the ocean when on a relaxing vacation. We hardly think about the benefits of swimming and what it can do for our health. We often take swimming for granted and forget how easy it is to start up as a hobby. Here are some insights into how beneficial swimming can really be.
Accessibility
You only have to go to your local gym or leisure center to reap the benefits of swimming. For little money you can jump into your local pool and feel relaxed and energized. It is an activity that the whole family can get involved in and is ageless. On vacation, swimming is the perfect way to keep cool and get some exercise and the best part of all it can be free. Just walk to your local beach and take a dip.
Health
Swimming can relieve stress and is perfect for arthritis sufferers. The international Arthritis Foundation even sponsor some swim groups for this reason. Swimming is a low impact sport which means you often don’t even feel as though you are working your muscles which is why water aerobics is perfect as jumping on the bottom of the pool is hardly felt.
Swimming can increase body mass and tone your whole body. Swimming can improve your endurance levels, oxygen levels and increase the amount of blood pumped to your heart. This sport is also perfect for those who are injured from another sport or need therapy from an injury. This is due to the resistance of the water working the muscles but not giving the same impact as it would on land.
Calorie Burner
Another benefit of swimming is that it can be used as part of a weight loss plan. If you are looking to burn off some calories, swimming is perfect. You can burn up to 600 calories per hour with some focused, dynamic swimming. It is even possible to burn more calories swimming than when running depending on the intensity of you swimming in the water.
Relaxing
Just the feel of the water on your skin can be calming and send you into a relaxed mood. On a hot day the water is perfect for cooling your body temperature down, whereas most other exercises will increase your body temperature swimming is one you can do in the heat of the day.
Swimming can be enjoyed all year round through winter or summer it is something for the whole family to get involved with. So go ahead and take a dip in the nearest pool to you.
