Swimming is the perfect exercise because it can give both the young and the old the benefits of aerobic exercise without joint damage. Since it helps strengthen the muscles and boost lung capacity, athletes swim to stay fit and recover from injuries. That it does not require fancy expensive equipment is another big plus. Some of the top benefits of swimming that will wow you:
Complete Body Workout
Swimming involves all the muscles in the body, which is a big advantage over exercises like running, which builds only the leg muscles. Swimmers move the leg and arm muscles, and the movement tightens the stomach muscles to stabilize the core and power the legs. The arm movements also act to build the muscles in the chest. Overall, experts consider swimming the best aerobic exercise for total body workout.
Builds Bone Mass
Even though many people used to scoff at the idea of swimming helping to build bone mass, research published in the Journal of Applied Physiology proves otherwise. While running still builds the maximum bone mass, the new findings show swimming to be also beneficial.
Burns Calories
Even though it is accepted that swimming in the pools in Ottawa is a great exercise, many do not appreciate that it is as good as a treadmill for burning calories. When compared to running, swimming can burn as many or more calories. While the breaststroke burns 60 calories, the butterfly burns as many as 150 in 30 minutes without sweat dripping into the eyes. In comparison, by running a mile in 10 minutes, you burn 100 calories.
Helps Body Flexibility
Swimming requires the body to stretch, reach, twist, and pull through the water. The feet and the ankles act like fins of aquatic animals and stretch fully with each kick against the water. The repetitive stretching and twisting associated with the movements in swimming help keep the body flexible.
Lowers Stress and Depression
Runners feel good after running, but many people do not know that swimming can also be therapeutic. According to experts, swimming is akin to yoga since it stretches the body continually. Deep rhythmic breathing that is a must in swimming helps relax the body, lower stress, and fight depression. The sound of the water splashing and your breath also calms the senses and helps you to focus on your body by cutting out other distractions. According to research, a process called hippocampal neurogenesis can help reverse stress-induced brain damage. According to Healthline, swimming helps you sleep better at night.
Improves Exercise-Induced Asthma
Proper breath control is vital for exercising but often training in the gym is not as beneficial as it should be if you cannot breathe properly due to dry air and the presence of air-borne contaminants like dust and pollen. However, swimming allows you to breathe moist air that does not irritate the lungs. It helps to alleviate the symptoms of asthma and improve lung function.
Conclusion
Some other proven benefits of swimming include reduction of inflammation in the body, improving cardiovascular function, and skin health. It relaxes the mind and the body and promotes overall good health that extends life.
