Why Swimming is Excellent for Your Health
Swimming is one of the most well-rounded forms of exercise. You might think of it as a little inconvenient because you need to find an appropriate body of water to swim in. And you would be right; we certainly don't recommend swimming outside during the winter if you live in Scandinavia. However, if you have easy access to a pool, the benefits are numerous. Still not convinced? Check out this list of reasons why swimming is so good for you.
Build Your Muscles
If you're looking to get really ripped, you should be lifting weights. But swimming, much more so than running, has a definite benefit to muscle health.
This is simply because water is denser than air, so moving through water is always more difficult than walking on land. This natural resistance is distributed over the entire body (as opposed to weightlifting which targets certain sets of muscle groups), resulting in an overall better muscle tone.
Burn Calories
It's no secret that America has a weight issue. Luckily, swimming burns a lot of calories, and the heavier you are, the more calories it burns. It's also much more pleasant than running around or lifting weights because you don't really "work up a sweat" while you're swimming.
If you're overweight, you might be too embarrassed to take your shirt off at a public pool. You can get an above-ground pool for your backyard, but these can be flimsy, prone to leaking, and very small.
If you can afford it, an inground pool is the best option for swimming at home. There are plenty of companies dedicated to constructing custom pools. They are usually local. For example, if you live in Jackson, MS, simply search for "custom pools in Jackson MS" on the internet and you will find a plethora of companies offering this service.
Good For Your Lungs
While cardiovascular exercise is good for your lungs in general, swimming is especially beneficial because it necessitates holding your breath for short periods of time. This causes your lungs to become more efficient at absorbing oxygen.
It also improves your lung capacity. One study found that swimmers had better lung capacity than other athletes.
It Isn't Hard On Your Joints
Swimming is a low-impact exercise. Running and weightlifting are notorious for causing injury even if proper technique is used. When swimming, your risk of injury is extraordinarily low. While the chance of drowning is higher than any other exercise (duh!), this shouldn't be a worry if a lifeguard is on duty.
This makes swimming the perfect exercise for those who don't want to smash their joints to bits on an endurance run!
It’s great for your mood
Exercise in general is known for being a natural mood booster. Endorphins released during a workout elevate your sense of wellbeing and allow you to end your workout feeling better than when you stated. You also have the satisfaction of doing something good for yourself.
Swimming can be a great way to tap into these endorphins because to most it will not feel like much work. The inherent fun of taking a swim might actually have you wanting to workout. It’s also great for beginners because it is a safe way to work the muscles and there is no fear of “how much you can lift” intimidation in a public setting. Finally, swimming is a great activity to do with friends which makes it that much better.
Conclusion
Swimming is loaded with benefits. Both mental and physical health can be improved by taking a dip in the pool. Consider adding a swim to your daily routine and take advantage of the many benefits!
