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Whether you're the next Michael Phelps or you just know how to row, swimming is a great way to stay in shape. Learning to swim is often the only hurdle you have to face, but with time and consistent effort, it can be an easy skill to acquire that comes with a multitude of benefits in return. Here are the reasons to consider immersing yourself in an exercise routine that includes swimming:
Full body engagement
Swimming is known to be an exercise that works the whole body with almost all muscle groups activated. This results in toning the muscles, gaining strength and endurance, and improving overall fitness.
Supports heart health
Swimming has been found to reduce the risk of disease and improve cardiovascular health. Since swimming works throughout the body, it requires increased blood flow to all muscles, causing the heart to pump more. Combine that with the fact that you're often holding your breath and you have a recipe for a hard-working cardiovascular system.
Low impact on the joints
Unlike running, biking, or other activities, swimming takes place in a completely different medium - water! This allows for less impact on the body, specifically the bones and joints, making it an ideal form of exercise for people with arthritis, injuries, or disabilities.
Burns calories ... FAST
Who doesn't like to burn calories efficiently? Swimming for one and a half kilometers, which is 66 sections of a traditional 23-meter pool, burns about 400 calories. Compared to walking / running (100 kcals per 1.5km) and cycling (25 kcals per 1.5km), swimming for exercise seems like a no-brainer!
Exercise without sweating
Usually when you finish a heart-pumping workout, your body is drenched in sweat, but not from swimming. Being in a pool allows the body to remain at a constant and cooler temperature compared to workouts on land. However, it is important to stay hydrated because even if you don't feel like you're sweating, you are still losing water!
Improve sleep
Because swimming is highly aerobic, it requires a lot of energy. Most adults find it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep during daily aerobic activities such as swimming.
Elevate the mood
Regardless of whether you're swimming at a distance or leisurely paddling through the water, swimming has been shown to improve your mood. Exercise, in general, has shown effects that increase mood and reduce anxiety and depression. Adding swimming to your weekly regimen will not only make you look good, but it will also make you feel good.
It can help during pregnancy
Swimming during pregnancy has been shown to help with complications and increase the mother's physical and mental health. Many women report that they enjoy getting into the water during pregnancy as a way to relieve pain in their bones and joints due to the "weightless" feeling of floating in a pool.
Helps you stay cool
In the summer months, it can be difficult to stay cool. Taking a dip in your local pool, lake, or river can be a great way to regulate your body temperature on a warm day. Just be sure to practice water safety wherever you choose to dive.
Fun for all the ages
Like adults, children love to take a dip in the pool. Get them involved in swimming lessons, join a local summer swimming league, or play in the pool to keep them busy and active. It serves as a great form of exercise for them too!
