Are you looking for a fun and easy sport that offers great exercise and is a superb stress-buster? You’ll enjoy all those benefits and more when you take up swimming.
Unlike most other sports, this one is suitable for people of ages, abilities, and fitness levels. Keep reading to discover the top 5 benefits of swimming for physical and mental well-being.
Total Body Workout
Swimming gives you a total body workout. Because it’s such a beneficial yet enjoyable exercise, you may decide to become a swim instructor, and work out while you work! You’ll strengthen your legs, upper body, and core muscles while getting some great cardio.
But swimming, unlike other forms of cardio, is a low-impact sport. That makes it great for all ages, and even people recovering from a sports injury. Many sports physiotherapists recommend it as part of a comprehensive post-injury recovery program.
The buoyancy of the water means that even if you’re overweight, you’ll be able to get some exercise without injuring yourself. And because swimming is also a great calorie burner, you’ll soon shed the extra pounds and keep your weight in check, too.
Promotes Relaxation
Much like a relaxing massage can, swimming promotes both physical and mental relaxation. It does this through the calming effects of ‘blue spaces’. This is the natural calming effect that bodies of water have on people.
Water sources such as oceans, streams, lakes, and yes, even pools, relax us. It may be more than just the serenity of the ‘blue’ expanse. The sounds of water can also be very soothing. Either way, many people claim to relax when they go to the beach, or take a dip in a pool, for a swim.
The impact on mental well-being has been studied in recent years, although it is not as widely known as the concept of ‘green spaces’ (the effect of plants, trees, and nature). The results reinforced what many of us have long known, that being near water can be healing for the mind, body, and soul.
Boosts Circulation
Blood circulation gets a terrific boost from swimming. Almost all sports have this advantage, but swimming comes out on top. And improving your circulation is always a good idea. It is known to reduce the risks of several chronic medical conditions.
For example, vigorous swimming increases your blood circulation, which lowers blood pressure and even lowers the risk of heart attacks and strokes. But even gentler swimming can have a positive effect. The important thing is to get moving, to improve your blood flow.
Swimming offers a fun alternative to other sports, with this same benefit. Even people who have mobility issues that would preclude them from other forms of exercise can sometimes swim. This is essential, as it allows them to lead more physically and socially active lives.
Stress Relief
Stress is an unfortunate part of our daily lives, but fortunately, there are many constructive ways to relieve stress. Swimming has been hailed as one of the best natural remedies to de-stress after a long workday. That’s mainly because aerobic exercise such as swimming increases serotonin production.
Serotonin is a chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) responsible for communication between the brain and the nervous system. Its main function is as a mood regulator, and it is best known for promoting happiness and well-being. But serotonin also controls wake-sleep cycles.
Too little serotonin has been linked to depression and even insomnia. So going for a swim after a stressful day will not only lower your stress but also promote better sleep that night.
Kind To The Joints
One of the lifestyle changes recommended to arthritis sufferers is getting regular exercise. This can be difficult, as many sports put a strain on your already painful joints. However, swimming does not strain the joints like running, jogging and other cardio do.
For this reason, it has grown in popularity as an alternative therapy for arthritis. Many people suffering from painful joints and arthritis enjoy swimming as a supportive treatment.
The Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program (AFAP) was established with this in mind. This organization targets older adults, helping them to reduce stiffness and pain through swimming.
