Are you looking for a sport that is enjoyable and relaxing, but also want to do a complete exercise that improves your muscle strength? Then find out here the benefits of swimming and why choosing this sport could be the right decision!
Still not convinced? Another advantage of swimming is that it is good for all ages. That is, for children, adults and the elderly , with each group having different classes, adapted to their needs. In any case, it is clear how this sport contributes to both physical and mental health.
Are you inquisitive and want to find out more about swimming? It is a pertinent question since it involves a monetary investment and energy. So, read the 6 advantages mentioned below and other vital information!
Who is swimming recommended for?
As mentioned above, one of the advantages of swimming is that it is a democratic sport for different audiences. This applies to people of different ages and health conditions. For example, those who suffer from obesity or joint problems can benefit from this exercise.
The same applies to pregnant women or people just looking for a sport as a therapeutic activity. Thus, when it is done in the presence of professionals and in appropriate locations, there are very few contraindications to swimming. Indeed, all these factors serve to reduce risks, such as falls.
However, it is important to note that, among the existing contraindications, it is important to avoid this and other water sports during respiratory crises, such as sinusitis or rhinitis.
What are the benefits of swimming?
After understanding who swimming is recommended for, it’s time to learn about the benefits of this physical exercise. Follow along!
1. Exercises the whole body
This water sport requires using several parts of the body, for example, legs, arms, abdomen, and core. In fact, every small movement made in the water works a muscle. It is because the water acts as a “barrier” during movements. So, it becomes more resistant than air and requires more effort from individuals.
Therefore, when swimming with professionals and following their instructions, it is possible to ensure the comprehensive development of all muscles. After all, they must assist in the bilateral and balanced execution of movements.
The same benefit does not usually occur with many land-based physical exercises. This is the case with weight training , for example, where most of the workouts work the muscles in a localized way.
2. Increases heart rate
When you move your body muscles while swimming, oxygen generates energy. This causes your blood vessels to relax and improve circulation. As a result, your heart is strengthened and able to stabilize its beats. After all, you won’t need to redouble your efforts to pump blood and compensate for the dilation of your blood vessels.
Another positive aspect of regular swimming is the increased production of nitric oxide. This is a free radical that is beneficial for general health, especially in vasodilation. This means that blood can circulate more easily through the arteries and reach the heart. If the pool is heated, the dilation tends to be even greater.
3. Tones muscles
Toning your muscles is essential to keep them strong and prevent injuries or pain in the area. Among the muscles most worked during this sport, we can mention the quadriceps and glutes. They involve the thigh and knee region. These areas are essential for supporting the body and, as we age, they can become more fragile.
You may know bodybuilding as the best sport for toning your muscles. However, swimming can achieve this goal in a well-balanced and well-worked way. This is also enhanced by diet and the type of training.
Another difference between swimming and weight training regarding muscle toning is that the former has lesser impact. This means that there is a possibility of preventing or controlling problems such as osteoarthritis and other muscle injuries.
4. Improves strength and endurance
As mentioned, water is more resistant than air. To be more specific, it is 12 times denser than air. Therefore, it is possible to increase an individual’s strength and endurance more effectively than in land-based sports. This is the case with running or hiking, for example.
5. Provides relaxation
Various physical activities can provide relaxation, as they release substances related to well-being and happiness. However, aquatic exercises require a higher level of concentration. This is because it is even more important to align breathing with body movements.
With such a sport, it will be harder to get distracted due to your cell phone use or thinking about a problem, just like other sports, swimming is also useful to release endorphins and serotonin. These substances improve your mood and relieve pressure caused by stress. Moreover, the sound of water plus breathing are also relaxing to the ears.
6. Reduces the risk of disease
You may have noticed that one of the benefits of swimming is that it improves heart health. This sport prevents cardiovascular diseases. In addition, it is also useful in reducing the risk of diabetes, high cholesterol, and respiratory problems.
After all, aerobic exercise controls weight and improves arterial blood pressure. When the blockage in the arteries takes place, the cholesterol balance becomes unbalanced. As far as breathing is concerned, moisture increases lung volume and its ability to absorb oxygen.
Moreover, swimming also reduces the risk of diseases, including Alzheimer’s, as well as keeps it under control. This is because swimming improves reasoning and memory . It can also be useful in balance and motor coordination.
Have you understood the advantages of swimming and why you need to include this sport in your life? That is, mobility and flexibility which will improve your quality of life. Therefore, it becomes possible to prevent common problems associated with aging.