Swimming is an exercise that offers many benefits. While having an in-ground pool can be very expensive, there are more affordable options for adding a pool to your backyard, such as an above-ground pool. If having your own pool is not an option or you live in a cold climate, you can find a local public pool to use. There are many benefits to swimming, and it’s important that you know what they are.
Low-impact cardio
Cardio workouts are essential to physical fitness. Cardio exercises increase your heart rate, which helps you get much more out of your workout by burning more fat, calories, and energy.
Duke University conducted a study in which they monitored two groups of a total of 119 physically inactive participants. Half of the participants did weight training exercises for eight months, and the other half did cardio exercises for eight months. Those who did cardio had lost much more weight by the end of the eight-month study.
Cardio also makes your heart stronger so that it can work more efficiently, which improves your overall well-being.
Swimming is a great option for people who need to do low-impact cardio because they have difficulty doing regular cardio for some reason.
Works your entire body
Swimming affects nearly every muscle group in your body – your arms, back, glutes, hamstrings, legs, shoulders, and more.
However, if you want to zero in on a specific area of your body instead of getting a full-body workout while swimming, you have a few options. You can use a kickboard that will force you to swim only using your legs. Conversely, using a pull buoy will work your upper body.
Improves mood and lowers stress levels
Another benefit of swimming is that it can be a good way to relax. In a study done in the UK, participants swam on a regular basis over the span of four months. This new habit provided them with a more positive outlook, better sleep, higher energy levels, and better well-being overall. This is likely because of the fact that your brain releases the “feel-good” hormone serotonin when you swim.
The rhythm and movements involved in swimming can also be calming. Swimming releases tension in your back and shoulders, which is where many people build tension from stress throughout the day. You need to breathe deeply when you swim, so it works similarly to calming breathing exercises.
