Health Fitness

Exploring the benefits of swimming

burning the calories

We all know that swimming is a great way to exercise and that it is a great way to burn calories. You can reap the same rewards as running or other aerobic exercises, yet most people don’t realize how much swimming can help. By comparison, a ten-minute butterfly swim session equals 150 calories, while running a ten-minute mile would burn 100 calories. With a variety of different stroke types, it’s perfect for any age and ability to pull it off. Depending on the swimming stroke you choose to do, there are different targeted muscles, while the water provides gentle resistance. So because of this resistance, no matter what stroke you end up doing, your body is still using its muscles to initially move through the water.

Increase your heart rate with less risk

When you are swimming, the main benefit you will notice is that your whole body works. With every stroke you take, your heart rate increases, and at the same time, your body doesn’t experience the same impact your joints would if you were running or lifting weights, so stress is reduced. If you go swimming regularly, you will soon notice that your muscles tone up and your strength increases. As you continue to swim, your body’s resistance levels will improve and therefore it will get easier the more you participate in this activity.

Healthy lungs and a happy heart

While you swim and your muscles get the workout they need, the exercise also works your insides. Your cardiovascular system is working harder, improving your long-term health and lungs. It is also recommended that people who suffer from asthma engage in swimming, the humidity of the indoor pool environment helps to breathe. Also swimming as an exercise is one of the most beneficial as the different breathing techniques used, for example holding your breath help with lung capacity and control breathing.

Tones muscles, increases strength and endurance.

By swimming, you will be able to do a full body workout; this is largely because water creates much more resistance than it would with air. You’ll be able to increase your strength over time, and if you continually include swimming in your weekly exercise routine, you’ll soon find that your body gets toned quickly. With each stroke that you pull your body forward you are strengthening your upper body, while toning your chest, stomach, and arms. One of the most attractive features of swimming is that you can choose from a variety of different strokes to target different growing muscles, for example the butterfly is a great tonic for arms and shoulders due to the energy exerted. Another example is the back; kicking your legs will help with muscle buildup. Using a variety of punches will also keep you motivated and help you feel the heat. In order for you to stay in the water, you must engage the use of your core muscles; abs, hips and stomach. The use of these muscles increases the endurance and strength of an individual when moving in the water.

Good after injury or arthritis and MS

As we have already explained, swimming is a great exercise to increase a person’s strength and endurance. In addition to this, it is also very good in helping a person to maintain flexibility of it. Aerobic exercise, whether it’s aqua zumba or water yoga, is known for its health benefits. Research has been done to show that those who suffer from joint pain such as arthritis and multiple sclerosis can find relief by incorporating regular exercises in the water. One reason this may be the case is because when you’re swimming, your limbs and spine expand, which helps relieve painful pressure on the body. Another period when swimming is beneficial for the body is when you are recovering from an injury. When muscles are weak and healing, light swimming and aerobic exercises help joints and strengthen muscles.

Improve sleep and improve mood

Swimming is known to release endorphins in the brain, known as the feel-good hormone, which in turn increases a person’s sense of happiness and positive impact. Swimming is believed to be a good way to relax the body and reduce anxiety. While being in the water is often considered relaxing, most people enjoy being around water. The human need to be close and connect with nature is often fulfilled by swimming. Swimming is often an opportunity for the mind to shut down and you to release the tension within you. This can leave a person relaxed and in a positive frame of mind, and as a result, they can unwind and sleep better at night.

Affordable, fun and not forgetting the kids.

There is a wide variety of sports and exercises that a person can choose from, whether it is a team sport or something to participate in as a hobby. Of all, swimming is the most affordable. You don’t need any equipment to participate, all you need is a swimsuit and some water. Even if you are just splashing around, taking part in an aqua aerobics class or in a pool, you are sure to have a lot of fun and feel good getting some exercise. Plus, it’s a great activity for kids of all ages to take part in, as there are no levels to reach or age limits to exceed.

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