Even though swimming is an important life skill we should all master at some point in our lives, it can also be exciting, fun, and great for our overall health. One of the best things about swimming is that there isn’t an age limit to it – we can be young or old and still be able to enjoy this amazing activity. In addition to having many benefits for our physical and mental health, swimming is also a low-impact activity.
It’s A Great Workout
Swimming can truly help work your body from head to toe because you are making an effort to stay afloat and trying to swim using a particular technique. Swimming is a great way to burn calories, lose weight, and get in shape, and it works for kids and adults. Start off slowly, just a couple of laps in the pool, and work your way up until you manage to swim a few miles with ease.
Good For People With Health Problems
Because you’ll be spending time in the water, your body won’t be under so much stress. This means that your recent or old injuries won’t bother you because water will support your body and you’ll float. This is the reason why doctors recommend people with arthritis, sprains, and even people with MS to take up swimming. However, it is important to note that swimming can come with its own health risks especially if you have problems with your ears as the pressure of the water can exacerbate these. It is advisable to seek the advice of an ear specialist if you are concerned and to have your ears regularly cleaned and cared for by a specialist ear care clinic to ensure you have the best swimming experience possible.
It Helps Us Relax
Even though you might try swimming sprints and trying to beat your own time in the pool, swimming can also be a relaxing and gentle form of exercise, suitable even for people who are recovering from an illness or injuries. Staying in water helps alleviate stress, and it doesn’t matter whether you’re just floating around or you’re sprinting, you’ll feel great afterwards.
Improves Your Sleep
If you’re one of the people who struggle with insomnia and have trouble falling asleep at night, swimming sessions might be able to help. Older people suffering from insomnia who took up swimming have reported a boost in quality of sleep. Staying in water is soothing and draining and when you get to bed in the evening, you’ll fall asleep without much fuss.
It’s Available In Many Places
Fortunately for everyone who wants to take up swimming, pools are available in many places. Besides professional indoor and outdoor swimming pools, you can easily swim in an outdoor concrete pool in your own backyard too, if you have the space! You don’t have to drive to a pool if you or someone you know has a pool you can swim in.
No Sweat
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to feel completely exhausted and not have to worry about sweaty gym equipment? This is one more reason why people love swimming – water washes away your sweat while you swim. Don’t be mistaken – you will keep sweating even in water, which is why you should always make sure you drink plenty of water during and after your practice.
Improves Flexibility
If you find it difficult to move your joints in full range, swimming might be able to help. Your limbs and core are engaged when you swim and you use them all to stay afloat and propel your body forward. Swimming reduces joint pain and makes you more flexible in the process, but it also helps you become more coordinated.
Great For The Heart
Over the past decades, the number of people who suffer from heart diseases has skyrocketed. One of the reasons for this is the sedentary lifestyle that most of us lead and the fact that going to the gym is considered a chore. On the other hand, spending time in cool, blue water is soothing and calming, and swimming sessions are much more attractive and interesting than sweating at a gym. Swimming will also help improve your heart health and also protect you from developing cardiovascular disease in the future.
Another thing that makes swimming great is the fact that it’s pretty affordable, especially when compared to some other sports such as cycling. Swimming pools offer reasonable rates if you want to join, and there are many that are much cheaper than an average gym, so find the nearest swimming pool and change your life for the better by taking up swimming.
*collaborative post
Author Bio
Diana Smith
is a full time mom of two beautiful girls interested in business and marketing related topics.
In her free time she enjoys exercising and preparing healthy meals for her family.
