Looking to try out a new sport? Consider swimming. Whether you’re an athlete at heart or you haven’t worked out in quite some time, swimming provides a host of advantages, making it a great addition to your weekly routine.
Boosts your mental health
Over time, your mental health may also improve thanks to swimming. This sport is often just as relaxing as yoga and can relieve stress. And since your phone has to stay out of the water, it’s a great opportunity to disconnect from the world and give your mind a break.
Aerobic exercises like swimming also have the potential to better your mood and even increase your quality and length of sleep. This is especially true when working out regularly and sticking to a routine before going to bed.
Fits into your schedule
It’s easy to customize your swimming routine to suit your needs and your busy schedule. Swimming fast for 75 minutes is the equivalent of walking or jogging for 150 minutes — so it’s significantly less time-consuming.
With the freestyle, butterfly, breaststroke, and backstroke to choose from, changing up your workouts from week to week is a breeze. And best of all, joining a pool is often inexpensive and convenient since many locations may be available. Select one near your office or home and check to see if your health insurance offers any reimbursements for doing so.
Improves your physical strength
Swimming is a full-body exercise. It works your arms, legs, back, chest, and more. As such, by swimming regularly, your body will grow stronger and more muscular. If you want to work out certain muscles more than others, it’s easy to do so by simply switching your stroke.
Swimming laps is also great for your organs. It strengthens your heart and lungs as well as potentially reduces your blood pressure. And it burns lots of calories in a relatively short amount of time. For just an hour, doing laps in the pool at a moderate pace can burn more calories than walking or doing yoga for that same amount of time.
Works for different conditions
If you have an injury, many sports can exacerbate it, but swimming is typically a safe option. Since water naturally lifts up your body, swimming has a lower impact on your muscles, joints, and bones than other forms of cardio. Accordingly, it’s possible to stay fit without causing further damage or pain. For this reason, taking a dip in the pool may also be a great choice if you have an injury, arthritis, or multiple sclerosis.
If you have asthma, swimming may increase your lung capacity and teach better control over your breathing. In addition, if you are pregnant, being in the water may reduce the swelling in your feet and serve as a safe alternative to other exercises.
If you’re unsure whether swimming is safe for you, be sure to speak with your health care provider beforehand. When done regularly and properly, this sport can provide an array of noticeable benefits.