Swimming allows for many benefits to the human body. There are so many ways to go about it as well! If you have access to a pool, I highly suggest trying a water workout. Whether you choose to swim laps, water walk, or have the chance to take an aquatic group exercise class, you will be moving your body! It is very important to keep your body moving and swimming is a great way to achieve that.
Full Body Workout
Swimming requires your entire body. All of your muscles will be worked and it is a great form of cardio including your legs, core, back, chest, and arms. Compared to other forms of cardio such as biking or running, swimming fires up more muscle groups and builds endurance much more effectively. Swimming is also great as a recovery workout. Going for a slow paced, low-intensity swim can actually help your body get rid of the lactic acid buildup from prior exercise.
Great for People with Arthritis/Joint Pain
Another benefit of swimming is that it is low-impact. Not as much stress is placed on the joints. If a person is overweight, has arthritis, or is older, swimming is an amazing way to stay active. People who have joint problems won’t want to injure themselves by working out on land. Swimming offers them an incredible opportunity to strengthen both their muscles and their joints. Since there is less stress on their joints, they are able to exercise longer and more times throughout the week.
Great for Mental Health
As with any form of exercise, swimming can significantly help a person’s mental health. Engaging in swimming can lessen anxiety, and swimming in warm water has been proven to decrease depression and improve overall mood. Furthermore, it boosts serotonin and dopamine (the “feel good” chemicals) in the brain. Overall, swimming helps lower stress and will leave a person feeling mentally refreshed after.
Written by GUADS staff member Emily, with contributions from cdc.gov, healthline.gov, and usms.org
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