Swimming is a fun and relaxing activity that can be enjoyed year-round. It is not a sport that has to be given up as you get older. It can improve your mood, reduce stress and has significant health benefits.
Swimming for Weight Loss
Swimming is a great exercise for burning calories. According to Discovery Fit and Health, for every ten minutes of swimming freestyle, you will burn about 100 calories. One pound of weight is equal to 3,500 calories. So to lose weight, you must create a calorie deficit. Swimming can help burn those extra calories over time.
Even if you are not a strong swimmer, moving your body in water will help with your fitness goals. Water provides resistance and a low-impact workout. Every stroke and kick in the water is really a resistance exercise. Additionally, there is less stress on the knees, hips and joints making swimming a great alternative to other, more traditional, cardiovascular workouts.
Swimming for Better Health
Swimming gets your heart and lungs working. Your body will use oxygen more efficiently. Because swimming is an aerobic exercise, it keeps your heart rate up. The heart can become more efficient in pumping blood throughout your body.
Swimming also builds endurance and muscle strength. This all-over body workout will tone and strengthen muscles. One of the most important muscles strengthened will be your heart!
Swimming for Improved Flexibility
Swimming allows your body to move in ways that one might be unable to achieve on land. Unlike exercise machines that target one or two parts of the body, swimming engages almost all of your major muscle groups.
As you reach forward with each stroke, you are lengthening your body and improving your flexibility. The scissor action you make with your legs also helps keep you loose and flexible. Moving your body in long, rhythmic motions will help improve range of motion and help keep you limber.
Swimming to Improve Your Mood
Swimming is a relaxing activity. It can alleviate stress and have some of the same benefits as yoga and meditation. The relaxing sounds of the water and deep rhythmic breathing can help drown out distractions and clear your mind.
Swimming is a great choice all around. Swimming can strengthen and stretch your muscles, and provide a great aerobic workout, offering weight loss benefits as well. Swimming can also be enjoyed regardless of your age. With all of these health benefits, swimming is a great workout to add to your fitness regimen.