8 Benefits Of Swimming

Summer is here and there is no better time to  take up swimming. Whether you use an indoor or outside pool, or you go to the bay, swimming is an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise which many people don’t think to incorporate into their exercise routine. Here are some benefits of regular swimming:

• Varies your workout: Since swimming works different muscles than, for example running or walking, your body gets challenged in a new way. Since the upper body and lower body have to work together when you swim, it becomes a full body workout.
• Improves cardiovascular health​: Swimming laps is an aerobic exercise, meaning your heart rate and breathing rate increase, thus increasing blood flow and overall health. You can improve your endurance by being consistent with it and steadily increasing the time spent in the water.

• Easy on your joints: When you are in the water, your body is unweighted from the forces on land, specifically gravity. Many people with joint pain find it is easier to move in the water as they have less pain with this decrease in force. This makes swimming a nice low-impact exercise option.
• Mood booster: Most exercise increases your mood because of the endorphins released when working out. Swimming is an especially good mood booster because it incorporates the use of your full body, releasing “feel good” hormones as you move.
• Improves strength: Moving through the resistance of water is more challenging than moving through the resistance of air which in essence will strengthen and tone your muscles when done regularly. Additionally, you don’t need the added use of weights or resistance equipment during your workout!
• Helps manage weight: Swimming is an excellent calorie burner. A 155-pound person swimming freestyle for 30 minutes will burn 352 calories swimming fast, and 247 calories swimming slow.
• You won’t feel sweaty: You will be wet, but since the water movement has a natural way of cooling you off, you won’t feel like sweaty. It is important to stay hydrated though, as you will be losing some body water as you exercise.
• It’s fun: There are 4 main types of swim strokes you can perform: freestyle (or crawl), breast stroke, backstroke, and butterfly. You can also vary your routine by using a kickboard. If you are unable to swim laps, treading water in the deep end will still offer many of the above benefits.

Whether you choose to try swimming in the pool, bay or ocean, you can enjoy knowing you are doing something good for your body and challenging it in a new way. Goggles are recommended in all settings to keep water out of your eyes. If you are unsure about the technique of your stroke, you may want to consider a few swim lessons. These are offered through the recreation centers/city of Virginia Beach and Norfolk, and also through the YMCA. And remember, like with any workout, stay hydrated and take breaks as needed.