Why Swimming is so Healthy: 5 Reasons

—From ease on your joints to cardio benefits, how swimming delivers multiple fitness advantages

Along with simple fun and relaxation, you can use a backyard swimming pool to achieve the body and health you always wanted.

Have you been looking for a challenging exercise that’s gentle on your joints? One that gives you a good cardio workout and boosts heart and lung capacity? How about one that you can enjoy outside instead of in a crowded gym?

Well, look no further because swimming comes through on all fronts. Here are some key benefits that make swimming so healthy and why you should make it part of your everyday health routine:

1. It’s easy on the joints.

Unlike many land-based activities, swimming is considered a low-impact exercise. That’s why doing laps in a pool is a great choice for those suffering from back pain, arthritis, and similar ailments. In fact, for those with joint conditions, swimming is among the most highly recommended exercises by the National Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org).

2. It’s appropriate for those with physical challenges.

Swimming offers a distinct benefit to those facing disabilities—whether short-term or permanent. Land-based exercises can be tough on the body, but you can get a good workout swimming even with a range of mobility issues such as arthritis or temporary conditions like pregnancy. Because it’s low-impact and non-weight bearing, swimming works as a great method for rehabilitation as well. And in the pool, you don’t have to worry about heat exhaustion or about keeping your balance or falling.

3. It’s a sure fire way to a full-body workout.

By using a variety of stroke styles, swimming hits multiple muscle groups all at once. To swim, it requires engaging a variety of muscles in coordination as you move your body through the resistance the water creates all around you. The result is a fit body that’s toned from head to toe—and that’s long and lean; due to the buoyancy of the water and how it supports your body, swimming is an exercise workout that helps stretch muscles and enhance flexibility.

4. It’s going to provide cardio benefits.

Heart health is key to a long life. You can do resistance training exercise in the pool with special equipment. Like any cardiovascular workout, swimming promotes the growth and endurance of your heart and lungs. In fact, a study conducted by the State University of New York found that compared to those who did not swim, those who did boasted better breathing, circulation, and blood pressure, as well as lower heart rates. Best of all, doing laps will get your heart rate up without getting sweaty.

5. It’s a tool to lose pounds and maintain a healthy weight.

Whether you are looking to refine your shape and drop a few pounds or to drastically cut your weight and boost your metabolism, swimming offers solutions for all! It provides a gentle introduction to exercise that you can rev up as you grow stronger and your stamina increases. The dense environment of water creates resistance, which helps you get a harder workout, burning more calories and increasing your metabolic rate.

No matter your current weight or fitness level, swimming provides the ability to tailor your workout to suit your needs and interest. Now that you know some of the advantages swimming delivers, what are you waiting for? Jump on in!