Any type of exercise or physical activity is always better than none. But in a wide range of exercises, swimming is proven to be indeed one of the best. Great for both body and mind, here is why spending more time in the water can really be a smart choice.
Swimming can help you shed off excess pounds.
A 30-minute lap in the pool can help you burn roughly 367 calories, which just about beats walking, cycling or even running. Swimming entails lots of muscle coordination and can easily help you lose unwanted fats if done religiously. Lots of people swear by its effectivity, especially in the weight-loss arena. If you want to keep track of the calories being burnt while you are enjoying your pooltime, try downloading a few apps for calorie-counting on your smartphone.
Swimming can help in stress reduction and in increasing one’s self esteem.
Speedo recently surveyed about 4000 swimmers, and results have shown that about 74% of the sample population agree that swimming helps them relieve stress and let go of everyday tensions in their lives. This means that even beginners at this activity can feel just as good as those who are already pros at this sport. Swimming boosts the body’s release of serotonin, otherwise known as the “happy” or ‘feel-good” hormones. So if you want to an activity that is sure to help you relax and de-stress, look no further than having a quick dip in the pool.
Swimming can improve one’s mood.
Another study has shown that people who swim at a regular basis are less prone to having depression, and tension accumulation. People also tend to be more relaxed when they’re swimming, therefore reducing instances of anger outbursts and confusions. Also a lot of swimmers reported being mentally refreshed after swimming.
Swimming is considered a low-impact exercise.
Because of water buoyancy, you only bear a tenth of your entire weight when swimming. With greater ease of movement and putting lesser strain on joints, bones and muscles, swimming poses a relatively lower risk of injury versus other forms of sports or exercise.
Swimming is actually sweat-free.
As a person who’s regularly in the water, your body will seldom feel overheated or sweaty because the water surrounding you will naturally keep your internal temperatures down.
Swimming can help you sleep better at night.
People who regularly swim as a form of exercise or physical activity often report having a good night’s sleep after the activity itself, according to a poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation. Swimmers are less likely to encounter any sleep problems like insomnia and/or waking up too early in the morning.
Swimming can develop and strengthen the muscles of the body.
Water resistance can be about 44 times greater than air which means one needs to exert additional efforts in order to move through it. Swimming gives you a good workout minus the need for expensive equipments, gym membership or even a personal trainer. This said, swimming is one of the best and most affordable ways to muscle train.
Swimming can help lower the risk for certain diseases.
Not only is swimming a very good cardio activity, it is also proven to help in regulating a person’s cholesterol levels, decreases blood glucose levels, and lowers the amount of bad cholesterol in the bloodstream. So by swimming on a regular basis, you are lowering your chances of developing illnesses like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, strokes and more.
