Swimming is a form of exercise that supports all fitness levels. Experienced swimmers can push themselves to swim faster and further every day. Those new to the sport can concentrate on their form with little risk of injury.
Swimming proves an ideal option for those who’ve previously led a sedentary lifestyle or carry excessive weight. The water supports the swimmer, reducing the impact on the joints in a way not possible with more vigorous exercises like jogging.
The Benefits of Swimming Your Way to Better Health
Helps You To Lose Weight
Regular cardiovascular exercise will help you to lose weight. Swimming is beneficial because it burns significantly more calories than running or jogging. The support of the water also makes it easier for those who are obese to move.
Swimming helps to cool the body and can make exercise more bearable in the sweltering heat.
Toning Your Physique
Swimming laps may seem relatively simple, but you use almost every muscle in your body. So, even if you swim very slowly, the resistance of the water against your body improves muscle strength and tone.
Improved Circulation and Lymphatic Drainage
Again, the water’s pressure is beneficial here. As you glide through the water, it massages your body gently, improving circulation and lymph drainage.
Burn More Calories
Swimmers burn more calories than joggers because they move through a liquid medium rather than through air. If you’d like to see an example of this in action, try a water aerobics class.
In water aerobics, participants use foam weights that seem almost weightless out of the pool. In the pool, however, these weights become challenging to maneuver due to greater resistance.
Defying Evolution
Our natural position leads us to walk upright, not to move forward horizontally. Swimming seems unnatural for us, so our bodies find it hard to adapt and become more efficient. The horizontal position also benefits us as it decreases the amount of work the heart must do.
The heart beats more slowly, allowing it to fill with more blood. This, in turn, allows more blood to circulate with each pump, meaning greater efficiency.
Low Impact on the Joints
Although excellent for cardiovascular exercise, swimming can be challenging. However, it beats running or jogging in terms of impact. You don’t experience any jarring impact of the feet hitting the ground as you glide through the water.
As such, swimming represents an ideal form of exercise for those recovering from injuries.
Good for the Mind
While swimming, you have to concentrate on your stroke, breathing, and lane. The effort helps you clear your mind of any other issues or concerns. Also, unlike jogging, you won’t have to scan the area for potential tripping risks or other hazards.
As swimming involves a vital cardiovascular component, it’s perfect for your mind. In addition, regular exercise improves circulation and stimulates the release of endorphins. These feel-good chemicals lighten your mood and encourage you to exercise in the future.
Would you like to learn how to swim to lose weight? Speak to the team at MediPlan Diet Services by calling (901) 362-7546 today about your personal weight loss consultation.