Swimming is a well-known exercise among people of all ages and fitness levels. It is a great way to stay fit and healthy as it is a low impact activity that offers a lot of mental and physical health benefits.
The benefits of regular swimming
- Burns calories
Swimming is an extremely effective way to burn calories. In fact, it is one of the quickest ways, as you can burn over 200 calories in just half an hour even at a steady pace, which is double the number of calories you would burn if you were walking. A faster and more intense swim would see even more calories burnt, so it is a very efficient way to work out.
- Supports joints
When you are swimming, the water supports around 90% of your body weight. If you have injured a joint or a muscle and you can’t put any pressure on that part of your body, swimming is one of the ways you can continue to exercise without causing further injury.
- Full body workout
When you swim you use all of the muscles in your body. Whether you are swimming an intense butterfly stroke or just gently swimming in breaststroke, every part of your body will benefit. The workout when you are in water is also more intense than on land because of the natural resistance against the volume of water, so you get more workout from your time.
- De-stress
Swimming is a relaxing exercise and can help you to lower your anxiety and depression levels, reduce your stress levels and improve the quality of your sleep. If you want to feel the mental health benefits of swimming then only small light swimming sessions a few times a week are required, as opposed to heavy exercising over longer periods.
- No sweat
If sweating makes you feel uncomfortable and puts you off working out and exercising, then swimming might be the best workout option for you. Lots of people really don’t enjoy sweating when they workout but when swimming you are able to exercise very efficiently without the discomfort of sweat. The water is constantly around you and cools you down, no matter how hard you work out.
- Increased energy levels
Being inactive and aging is one of the main reasons for lack of energy. Swimming for a minimum of 30 minutes, three times every week, can help to increase your metabolic rate and boost your overall energy levels.
- Tones muscles
Although there are no weights or equipment involved, by swimming regularly you can tone your muscles and build significant strength. This is down to the resistance of the water acting like a type of weight or resistance band.
