Benefits of Swimming

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November 7, 2014

Why swimming? We’re glad you asked my friend. Swimming is great for all ages. Even a baby can swim (not on his or her own, of course). It’s a good, low-impact cardiovascular exercise that helps you get AND stay fit. Enjoy these wonderful health perks you get from swimming:

1. Release stress. Doesn’t it feel wonderful, even just to float in the pool? Isn’t it relaxing? Your ears are just below the surface of the water drowning out the noise while the water gently rocks you nearly to sleep. Swimming is a great method for releasing a lot of stress. Seasoned swimmers will tell you that it helps them unwind and release tension.
2. Swim your way to fitness. People who find it hard to get into fitness will find swimming very easy. For one, it doesn’t involve any special equipment or training. While the beginning will always be the most tiring, its much easier to start than other fitness regime. You’ll find most of your time in the water will be spent enjoying it rather than concentrating on how many kilos you’re burning.
3. Improve your mood. Even if you’re a beginner, swimming can make you feel good. Just like other forms of exercise, swimming promotes the release of serotonin, the natural ‘happy’ chemical. Instead of relying on a tub of ice cream (full of sugar), try swimming and see how it improves your mood and sense of well being.

You may not know it, but swimming also aids in your recovery from depression. Experts have concluded that swimming can significantly decrease both depression and anxiety. Though the exact mechanisms as to how this happens is still under investigation. It’s certainly a lot better than taking those pills isn’t it? Give it a try, even if you’re not feeling depressed.
4. Build stronger muscles. Water is forty-four times more resistant than air. So your muscles move against greater resistance when you’re in the water compared to on land. This builds stronger and leaner muscles. It’s similar to you doing strength training exercises on land, only this time you don’t need any fancy equipment. The natural resistance that your muscles move against whilst swimming builds muscle strength gradually. The amount of resistance you experience is equivalent to the speed you move through the water. So you can choose to make your swimming workout as easy or as hard as you want. The best part is that its a low impact exercise which is easy on your bones, joints and muscles.

Buoyancy, the upward force the water applies to your body removes the effects of gravity almost entirely. Therefore water actually supports most of your body weight (see our infographic below). This is particularly helpful for people recovering from an injury or surgery and those with chronic conditions like arthritis. People with weight problems also find swimming easier and more enjoyable than other forms of exercise.
5. Heart-friendly. This particular characteristic of swimming isn’t as well known. All the forces that push and press your body from different angles help to return venous (non-oxygenated) blood to your heart. This aids your circulation and ensures prompt and complete delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your internal organs.

Swimming can be a very social activity that you and your family can enjoy together, especially if it involves a trip to the beach. At the same time, swimming can also give you some peace and alone time for yourself. What’s surprising is that, you’ll enjoy this activity without even realising that you’re getting fit.