Swimming is one of the most popular sports in the country. As well as being a fun way to cool off on a hot summer day, swimming is a great way to keep fit, stay healthy and make friends. [bctt tweet=”Swimming is shown to improve overall health and can be practiced over a lifetime.” via=”no”] It’s a fantastic low-impact activity that has many physical and mental health benefits. Just being near water can produce a calming effect similar to meditation, giving your brain a break from the constant overstimulation of modern life.
Health Benefits of Swimming
If you’re tired of the same old exercise program or if you’re simply looking for a way to keep the family active, jump in the pool. Swimming has an array of benefits for your mind, body, and soul. In fact, swimming has been called the perfect exercise. It provides all of the benefits of an aerobic workout without any damage on the joints, and it can be done by both old and young alike!
Low Impact Exercise
If you’re looking for an exercise that improves heart and lung function but is gentle on your joints, swimming is a top choice. Like other aerobic exercises such as running, it can improve cardiovascular fitness as well as cholesterol levels, without pushing stress on joints. This makes is a great option for pregnant women, older adults and anyone recovering from injury.
Relieves Stress
The natural endorphin produced from exercise is boosted by pool exercise. While many talk about a runner’s high, swimming can increase those good feelings too. In addition to the happy hormones, you’ll also enjoy a relaxation response similar to yoga. This is because swimming combines deep stretching with rhythmic breathing, resulting in a relaxation rush that’s unique to the sport. Swimming is also calming and meditative, as the sound of your breathing and the water rushing by helps you focus and drown out distractions.
Pain Relief
Swimming is a great for relieving pain from arthritis and muscle pain. People with arthritis or other musculoskeletal problems and people who are overweight can all benefit from a dip in a pool. Exercising in water can relieve joint stiffness and pain and increase flexibility. Pain in your lower back? Water aerobics has been shown to ease chronic low back pain.
Keeps Kids Active
Learning to swim can help to improve a child’s emotional and physical health, in addition to increasing their safety around water. The physical activity helps children to stay energetic and develop exercise habits, which can follow them throughout their lives. Learning to swim can improve a child’s self-esteem and confidence around water. Especially on a hot day, swimming is a way to keep cool while encouraging a healthy level of physical and social activity. With custom features available, such as slides or waterfalls, you can create a virtual water park in your own backyard! Avoid the TV trap by encouraging kids to spend time outdoors in a backyard pool!
It’s Fun!
Don’t get too hung up on learning all the different strokes or best techniques. Simply goofing off in your pool has health benefits! Having fun increases serotonin levels. Serotonin is a chemical that regulates sleep patterns, memory, body temperature, and mood. Doing activities you enjoy that help you relax and connect with others have been found to naturally increase the body’s serotonin levels. At the same time, having fun reduces cortisol, a stress-induced hormone that causes weight gain, and can weaken the immune system.
The Undeniable Benefits of a Pool
To incorporate swimming into your daily routine, you’ll first need to find a pool nearby. Many gyms offer lap swimming times, but wouldn’t it be nice to have a pool and spa in your own backyard to use anytime you wanted to? If you swim regularly or want to start, a pool is a fantastic investment in your health, quality of life and your home value!
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