The health benefits of swimming include its ability to reduce obesity, improve muscular strength, relieve stress, and back pain. It is also beneficial during pregnancy. Whether we plunge into a pool or swim in the open sea, we all love being immersed in water. Swimming is an exhilarating experience in itself, but fortunately for us, there are also numerous health benefits attached to this unique exercise.
Swims do wonders for the body as well as the mind. It helps you work out your entire body, thus improving the muscular strength and cardiovascular strength of the human body. The body receives maximum intake through the act of swimming.
The health benefits of swimming are associated with fun, relaxation, and enjoyment. It is highly beneficial for our body mechanisms as well. In the summer time, it assists in reducing body heat and rejuvenates our energy by refreshing us. It builds up strength and energy like no other exercise possibly can. According to a study done at the University of Extremadura in Spain, a swim in warm water can even relieve the body from pain.
Health Benefits of Swimming
The health benefits of swimming are numerous. These days, people find this aerobic form of exercise enjoyable and fun, so more and more people are getting involved in water sports. Let’s explore some of the health benefits that are granted to us by swimming:
Weight Loss
Swimming is an extremely beneficial exercise for reducing your weight and eliminating obesity. A swim burns a lot of calories in the body because many different body parts are involved in the process. You can lose up to 800 or 900 calories in just one hour of swimming. Many individuals take up this form of workout to stay fit and lean.
Relieves Stress
This aerobic work out can make you relaxed and enhances your energy levels. Many people find themselves free from stress and worry after a good swimming session.
Promotes Muscular Strength
People who swim regularly have a strong heart and good muscle stamina. They may also be able to heal injured muscles in their body more effectively.
Few things can beat a swimming workout! Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Reduces Back Pain
Since swimming does not strain the connective tissues of the body, it is a good sport for physically challenged people. Swimming can also give relief to individuals suffering from leg and lower back pain, as well as arthritis and osteoporosis.
Easy Pregnancy
Swimming strengthens both the abdominal and shoulder muscles. Therefore, it is a very useful form of exercise for pregnant women. Thus, water workouts relieve joint pain and other discomfort connected with pregnancy. A study, conducted by the Melpomene Institute of Minneapolis, has confirmed that pregnant women become less prone to miscarriages by regularly participating in swimming sessions. [1]
More on Swimming
The side effects of swimming include the risk of skin infections, ear, and eye infections, diarrhea, and fever. You should take up swimming as an exercise only after consulting your doctor. It is essential to apply sunscreen before taking the plunge if you are swimming outdoors, as you will be less able to feel the sun burning your skin while in the water. You also need to protect yourself from various bacteria, water germs, and other micro-organisms found in the sea water, lakes, pools, and even springs.
Swimmers all over the world find swimming to be a great form of exercise to stay fit and healthy. Children and adolescents can reap marvelous results from swimming sessions, as the sport builds their tender muscles and aids in bone growth. Children are known to grow in height rather than in weight after regularly participating in swimming sessions. It is a wonderful recreational water sport for the entire family. You can enjoy it with your friends and family in your own pool or even out in the sea. Wherever you do it, have fun, be safe, and keep your head above water!
