The importance of swimming: healthy body, healthy mind

Ever heard a health professional talk about the importance of swimming? Swimming has numerous physical and mental health benefits for all ages. Let’s explore why..

Introduction

Swimming is one of the best exercises you can do for your body and mind. It’s a great cardiovascular workout that strengthens your muscles, joints and ligaments. Swimming also has many mental health benefits, such as stress reduction and improved mood. In this article, we will discuss the importance of swimming and the many health benefits it provides.

Health benefits of swimming

Swimming is a great way to get your heart rate up and improve your cardiovascular health. It is also an excellent workout for your muscles, joints and ligaments, creating an entire body workout. Swimming is low-impact and easy on the body, making it a great exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels. In addition to the physical benefits, swimming also has many mental health benefits. Swimming can help reduce stress and improve your mood. It is also a great way to get some fresh air and enjoy the great outdoors when swimming in natural water.

“Swimming is normal for me. I’m relaxed. I’m comfortable, and I know my surroundings. It’s my home.”

Michael Phelps

The importance of swimming for Cardiovascular exercise

Swimming is a great whole-body cardiovascular workout. It is low-impact and easy on the body, making it a great exercise for people of all ages. Swimming can help improve your cardiovascular health by strengthening your heart and lungs, and improving your overall stamina and endurance. It is also an excellent way to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and burn calories.

Just 30 minutes of moderate intensity swimming burns around 250 Calories, so its great for weight loss if that is a health goal for you.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), swimmers actually have about half the risk of death of inactive people.

Just two and a half hours per week of aerobic physical activity, such as swimming, bicycling, or running, can decrease the risk of chronic illnesses. This can also lead to improved health for people with diabetes and heart disease, Swimmers have about half the risk of death compared with inactive people”

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The humid environment of indoor pools actually helps asthmatic people engage in cardiovascular exercise without significant irritation, however heavily chemically chlorinated heated indoor pools have been known to aggravate asthmatic conditions – saltwater chlorinated pools with lower temperatures are best.

importance of swimming
Just 30 minutes of moderate intensity swimming burns around 250 Calories

The importance of swimming for Muscle strength

Swimming is a great workout for your muscles. Swimming can help improve muscle strength by working all of the major muscle groups in your body, primarily your upper body, core and legs.

By alternating swimming styles, you can activate different muscle groups. For example, swimming breaststroke works your chest and shoulder muscles, freestyle swimming is great for arms and core, while swimming backstroke works your back and core muscles.

Swimming is a great way to tone your muscles!

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The importance of swimming for Joint health and flexibility

Swimming is a great workout for your joints, ligaments and overall flexibility. It is low-impact and easy on the body, making it a great exercise for people of all ages especially those who aren’t able to easily complete higher-impact exercises such as running or cycling due to arthritis or joint pain.

Swimming can help improve joint health and flexibility by moving and strengthening the muscles and ligaments around the joints, improving the use of arthritic joints without worsening symptoms. This can be helped by swimming in heated pools, where the warmth assists in muscle relaxation and easing joint stiffness.

It really cannot be understated how important swimming is for joint health, as the buoyancy of your body in the water takes the load off of your joints, which is perfect for those with arthritis or other joint pain, or those recovering from injuries and doing rehab programs.

importance of swimming
Make sure you always shower after swimming in chlorine so it doesn’t cause irritation

Health hazards of swimming

Swimming can present some unique health hazards for some people;

Health effects of swimming in chlorinated pools

Chlorinated swimming pools are a great way to stay cool in the summer and get your swim workout done in a safe, clean body of water. However, there are some health risks associated with swimming in overly chlorinated pools. Chlorine can irritate your eyes, skin and respiratory system. It is important to shower after swimming in a chlorinated pool to remove the chlorine from your body.

Swimming regularly in a well maintained chlorinated pool (whether salt water or chemical chlorinated) won’t usually result in any adverse health effects, especially if you are staying hydrated (yes you have to remember to drink when swimming) and showering after your swim.

Those with particularly sensitive skin such as eczema or psoriasis may find even moderately chlorinated pools can cause irritation. Turning down the chlorine level if possible, through showering afterward and application of moisturisers may be able to reduce symptoms.

You can read our article HERE on Swimming Pool Safety.

importance of swimming
Swimming is good for body and mind – it’s also an entire body workout

Swimming in natural water

Swimming in natural bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes and the ocean, can be incredibly peaceful and enjoyable, but it too has its own set of risks.

It is important to be aware of your surroundings and to avoid swimming alone in remote areas, where you may be at risk such as from ocean rips, predators such as sharks or dangerous stinging jellyfish. In these areas, local councils and government often provide a safe area to swim which may be netted or patrolled for your safety. It’s best to stick within the boundaries and set patrolled times, and follow all safety advice (i.e. the use of wetsuits to avoid stingers).

There can also be bacteria and other organisms in natural bodies of water that can cause skin infections. It is important to shower after swimming in natural water to remove any bacteria or other organisms from your body.

In general, if water is running that usually means it’s safer to swim in rather than still or stagnant water, but remember even fairly calm-looking freshwater creeks and rivers can have quite powerful flows. Be sure to check for signs of algal blooms and do your research before hopping in!

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Swimming under the influence of drugs or alcohol

This one should be pretty obvious, but swimming while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is extremely dangerous. Drugs and alcohol can impair your judgment, coordination and balance, as well as increase fatigue and cause muscle relaxation. All of these effects are amplified in the water, where you are at a greater risk of drowning or sustaining injuries.

importance of swimming
Always follow swimming pool safety precautions and remind kids of water safety too!

Conclusion

Swimming is a great all round low-impact exercise for your body and mind. Swimming works out your muscles, joints and ligaments, and is also a fantastic aerobic exercise to get your heart rate and breathing up – you can go as hard or as gentle as you need.

So, next time you’re looking for a workout, consider heading to the pool. Your body and mind will thank you!

Do you have any tips on how to stay motivated when swimming? Share them with us in the comments below!

Happy swimming!

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