Swimming is not only a great past-time but can also be a fantastic full-body workout. And while you can burn as many calories swimming as you do running, the impact it has on your body is less intense. Here is a list of seven of the benefits you may start noticing if you incorporate swimming in your daily routine.
1. Can Be a Valuable Weight Loss Aid
Swimming can be a very effective way to lose weight and burn calories. The number of calories you burn while swimming can vary depending on body weight, stroke, and intensity. However, you could average around 400 calories per hour of medium intensity swimming. It’s recommended that you begin slowly with 10- to 30-minute sessions 2–3 times per week and gradually increase it by five minutes at a time. You might also want to vary your strokes during your water-based exercises for optimum results.
2. Might Help You Sleep Better
About half of adults have experienced difficulty falling asleep. But aerobic exercise is known to improve the sleep quality of people who have insomnia. However, due to its low impact, swimming can be a more accessible and enjoyable form of exercise, as opposed to alternatives such as weight training and running.
3. Can Be a Fantastic Stress Relief and Mood Enhancer
Swimming in short sessions can help you regain focus and relieve symptoms of stress and improve your general mood and mental health. Due to the levels of oxygen released to your brain while swimming, you can find yourself feeling more relaxed after a refreshing session at the pool.
4. It’s a Great Exercise While Pregnant
Studies have shown that swimming is actually a fantastic activity that even pregnant women can enjoy throughout their entire pregnancy. However, it’s important to note that you should seek your doctor’s advice before engaging in any strenuous activity.
5. It Can Be a Great Help With Reducing Your Pain Levels
According to research done on people with MS, a regular swimming and exercise schedule has seen improvements in their pain symptoms. That’s due to the fact that swimming provides gentle resistance on your body.
6. It’s a Full-body Workout
Swimming can raise your heart rate without adding stress to your body. It can also tone your muscles and improve strength and endurance. Swimming can also provide much-needed variety to your workout due to the multitude of strokes you can engage in, such as breaststroke, backstroke, sidestroke, butterfly, and freestyle, the first being the most beneficial towards burning calories.
7. It Can Improve the Function of Your Internal Organs
While you’re in the pool giving your muscles a good workout, you are also benefiting the health of your heart and lungs. There is research suggesting that regular swimming can even make you live longer and reduce your risk for diseases.
As with any exercise program, you might want to check with your doctor before starting any new type of activity. However, swimming is indeed a safe and fun way to not only get in shape but also improve your general health, your mental health, and fitness levels.
