This coming summer, the healthier way to keep fit is through a good old swim session. Swimming is one of the most fun activities to do during the summer season and it is overly enjoyed by all age groups.
Swimming is an excellent way to work your entire body and cardiovascular system. An hour of swimming burns almost as many calories as running, without all the impact on your bones and joints.
Swimming is a healthy activity that you can continue for a lifetime. It is also a low-impact activity that has many physical and mental health benefits.
Here are the health benefits of swimming:
Works your whole body
Swimming works the entire body, from your body, head to toe. Swimming:
- increases your heart rate without stressing your body
- tones muscles
- builds strength
- builds endurance
There are various strokes you can use to add variety to your swimming workout, including:
- breaststroke
- backstroke
- sidestroke
- butterfly
- freestyle
Improves your sleep
Swimming helps improve your sleep and helps you sleep better at night.
According to research done on older adults with insomnia, participants reported both a boost in quality of life and sleep after engaging in regular aerobic exercise.
Works your inside
A 2016 study on the effects of 8-week swimming training on carotid arterial stiffness and hemodynamics in young overweight adults found “eight-week swimming training at moderate intensity exhibited beneficial effects on systolic blood pressure, arterial stiffness and blood supply to the brain in overweight adults.”
It also works your muscles and cardiovascular system.
It is good for people with injuries, arthritis, and other conditions
Swimming can be a safe exercise option for people with:
- arthritis
- injury
- disability
- other issues that make high-impact exercises difficult
Swimming may even help reduce some of your pain or improve your recovery from an injury. One study showed that people with osteoarthritis reported significant reductions in joint pain and stiffness, and experienced less physical limitation after engaging in activities like swimming and cycling.
Swimming is accessible to a wide range of people who deal with physical issues that make other exercises, like running, less appealing. That can make swimming a good choice for older adults looking to improve their sleep.
Also see: 5 Health benefits of morning walks
