HOW CAN SWIMMING IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH

In the last few years, swimming has become the go-to exercise for everybody. If you think about it, swimming might be the only workout that everybody can do. The young, the old, the disabled, pregnant women, practically everybody can benefit from a few laps in the pool. Studies have shown that swimming works the entire body. While increasing heart rate, water helps tone muscles. The gentle resistance of the water strengthens the muscles while you are moving through water. Water also helps people who have arthritis and other injuries.

For permanently disabled people, a few laps in the pool will help ease their pain. Furthermore, people who had surgeries found out that swimming reduced their recovery period by a significant amount of time. Patients who suffer from osteoarthritis have felt a decrease in joint pain and stiffness and increases in daily activities. Because of this, swimming is the go-to physical activity for older people. Usually, the elderly may want to avoid strenuous physical activities that might be detrimental. That is why swimming is such a great choice for them. So, if you are looking for a fitness center to work out, go to one that has a pool.

A GREAT CARDIO WORKOUT

Working miracles on the cardiovascular system, swimming helps fortify the heart and lungs. Some researchers even found that swimming can reduce the risk of death by half by helping to lower blood pressure.

SWIMMING AND ASTHMA

Because the humidity of the indoor environment has made a positive impact on the patient’s lung capacity, asthma patients have noticed a decrease in symptoms while exercising in indoor chemical-free pools. Throughout the country, gyms have chemical-free indoor pools. So, if you suffer from asthma, make sure you do some research before buying your gym membership. In essence, studies have shown that holding your breath may help with asthma. Because of this, the medical association advises asthmatic people to swim daily. To observe this, asthmatic patients should look for chemical-free pools, particularly since chlorine—a chemical used to clean the pool—can exacerbate the symptoms of asthma.

DEMENTIA & MS

People who suffer from MS have seen great benefits from swimming. In brief, water makes the limbs stay afloat and provides gentle resistance while alleviating symptoms like fatigue and depression. In a study by Source Global Research, patients with MS saw a significant reduction in pain after only five months. Furthermore, in people with dementia, scientists found that patients engaging in aquatic activities have significantly improved their condition. In their case, swimming has boosted their mood and made them more engaged in their daily activities.

BURNING CALORIES

A 160-pound person may burn around 423 calories an hour while swimming at a moderate pace. Furthermore, the same individual can burn 715 calories an hour while swimming at a faster pace. A 200-pound swimmer can burn between 528 and 900 calories an hour, while a 240-pound person can simultaneously burn well over 1,000 calories. In comparison, a one-hour walk may only burn 300 calories, while yoga burns around 180 calories per hour. Many fitness centers offer water aerobics classes so you might want to give them a try. Take a look at what is best for you and your body and how many water activities your local gym has to offer.

SWIMMING & SLEEP

Did you know swimming helps you sleep? A study on people with insomnia shows that 50% of the participants have seen improvements in their sleeping patterns. People woke up less during the night and slept better after introducing swimming into their exercise routine.

PREGNANCY & STRESS

Studies have shown that swimming is a powerful way to get rid of stress. Studying stress management at a YMCA in Taipei City, Taiwan, researchers surveyed 101 people. Of the 44 people that suffered high-stress levels, 36 individuals felt relaxed after just a few laps in the pool. On the last note, pregnant women have seen benefits both for themselves and for their babies. Women who swim during their early and mid-pregnancy stages were at a lower risk of preterm labor and congenital disabilities.

The miracle of swimming has touched and helped millions around the world, in fitness centers, in gyms, in sports clubs. People of all ages have seen the impact it has on the body as well as the mind firsthand. So next time you are near a pool, take a quick dip, and you will find for yourself the miracle of swimming.