7 Reasons Why You Need To Jump Into Your Pool Right Now
Summer’s around the corner. With rising temperatures comes the desire to cool off and get active. Swimming is one of the best activities to do just that. The best part about swimming is you do not have to be an Olympic swimmer to enjoy or benefit from this activity. Individuals with varying levels of swimming experience and of all ages can take part.
Compared to other outdoor activities such as running and tennis, swimming is a low-impact sport. It offers more resistance than regular exercises. In addition, it is a therapeutic sport that cools the body. Swimming truly is a perfect spot.
If you have access to a pool this summer, we recommend jumping in right away.
Here are seven reasons why you need to take up swimming:
1. It puts the brakes on ageing
Even though there is no lotion, potion, serum, or secret pill to live a long life, your swimming pool can help you feel youthful. Swimming regularly reduces blood pressure, increases cardiovascular fitness and muscle mass, and improves cranial blood flow. Improving these parameters delays the effects of accelerated ageing.
In addition, swimming also has a beneficial impact on seniors. It boosts their balance and physical strength. Many seniors are affected by joint pain and arthritis. Many are unable to run on a treadmill or climb on the Stairmaster. Swimming, however, enables them to develop flexibility and minimise joint inflammation without placing pressure on the skeletal system. Overall, it is a low-impact activity that is easy on the body.
2. It gives a total body workout
Swimming is one of the few activities that work the entire body. This is one of its biggest plus points. What does swimming regularly do?
- It increases the heart rate without exerting your body.
- It builds muscle strength.
- It helps tone muscles.
- It improves endurance.
Moreover, many types of strokes compel you to use different muscle groups. For example, the butterfly stroke relies on the forearm and thigh muscles, whereas the sidestroke utilises muscles in the triceps and forearms. Other strokes include breaststroke, freestyle, and backstroke. All strokes use most major muscle groups. As the muscles engage in moving the body forward, the water offers a gentle resistance.
3. It is beneficial for people with arthritis, injuries, and other ailments
Swimming is a safe and effective exercise option for individuals with disabilities, injuries, arthritis, and limited mobility. It is the best alternative for people who are unable to participate in high-impact workouts. For instance, if you are recovering from a physical injury, swimming may reduce some of your pain symptoms. A study examining the effects of swimming on individuals with osteoarthritis showed significant improvements in joint stiffness and pain. People who are unable to swim can participate in non-swimming activities in the pool, such as aqua aerobics.
4. It burns many calories in a single session
Swimming is an excellent way to target fat and burn calories. For example, if a 160-pound person swims for an hour at a moderate pace, they would burn nearly 400 calories. If this same person is swimming at a vigorous pace for an hour, they will burn up to 700 calories. An individual weighing 200 pounds (ca. 91 kg) can burn between 500 and 850 calories, swimming for an hour.
Similarly, a 160-pound person who walks for an hour will burn up to 320 calories. When you compare swimming to walking, it’s clear that the former burns more calories.
5. It aids in stress management
A gentle dip in the pool instantly relaxes the mind and body. Similarly, researchers surveyed swimmers at the New Taipei City YMCA in Taiwan. A group of 101 swimmers was surveyed. Of this number, 44 stated they were feeling stressed and mildly depressed. After a swim session, the group was surveyed again. The number of swimmers who felt stressed was reduced to only eight. Although more research is necessary for this arena, researchers in the study concluded that swimming is an excellent way to gain stress relief quickly.
6. It is safe for pregnant women
Swimming is helpful for pregnant women and their unborn babies. A study examined the effects of swimming on pregnant rats and their offspring. Results showed altered brain development in the rat’s pups.
Unlike running or aerobics, swimming is a sport that is safe to perform in all trimesters. Several studies have demonstrated there are no side effects of swimming in a chlorinated pool for pregnant women. Expectant mothers who swam in their first and second semesters had a reduced risk of preterm labour.
Although swimming is a safe activity during pregnancy, women who are facing complications in their pregnancy should consult their doctor beforehand.
7. It improves the quality of your sleep
Have trouble falling or staying asleep? Swimming may be the only sleeping aid you need! A study examined insomnia in older adults. Participants engaged in some form of regular exercises such as cycling, Stairmaster, exercise videos, and swimming. Although all forms of exercise helped, swimming had the most positive results. It helped relieve some of their insomnia.
Many older adults have difficulty with activities that require intense physical effort, such as running and using an elliptical machine. For these individuals, swimming is a better alternative.
No matter how well you swim, there are many benefits of swimming that you can grab. Swimming can transform your muscles and strengthen your heart. It can relieve all your stress faster than any vacation or spa treatment. It can relax your mind and body so that you will gain sound sleep without the side effects of a sleeping pill. Swimming is an anti-ageing secret that transforms you from the inside out. Lastly, it is an activity for people of all ages. Whether you’re seventy years with bad arthritis, an expectant mother in her second trimester, or a beginner, swimming is the best way to get fit and have fun. So, what are you waiting for? Jump into your pool right now!
