The Amazing Health Benefits Of Swimming
You’re never too young or too old to fall in love with swimming — and the best part is, it’s a sport that can be enjoyed for a lifetime.
Lifetime sports are ones that are low-impact and non-contact, allowing you to continue your skill mastery (and fun!) until an advanced age. Since it’s much easier to stick with a form of exercise you enjoy, people who are engaged in lifetime sports are far more likely to stay fit and active well into their golden years.
Few lifetime sports can rival swimming for the simple fact that being in water offers a release from gravity that can’t be found elsewhere. This puts the “low” in low-impact and creates a sense of freedom and buoyancy that’s excellent for stress relief. Plus, it’s a way to get in some cardio without all the sweat…and that’s not even scratching the surface of the health benefits!
Let’s dive into more detail about how swimming can boost your physical, mental and emotional health.
Come on In, The Water’s Fine
First things first: According to the CDC, swimmers have about half the risk of death compared with inactive people. Not only does swimming help you maintain a healthy heart and lungs, but it stimulates your metabolism and burns almost as many calories as an hour of running (without the damage to your bones and joints).
Although swimming has a rep for sculpting excellent shoulders, it’s a full-body workout no matter what stroke you choose. As a sport that carries one of the lowest risk of injury, it’s an accessible option for anyone with injuries, arthritis and other conditions that make high-impact exercise difficult. In fact, it can even lessen the pain associated with these conditions; one study showed that swimming helped people with osteoarthritis enjoy significant reduction in joint pain and stiffness, and experience less physical limitation after engaging in activities like swimming and cycling.
Other benefits include:
- Enhanced strength and endurance
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Increased energy levels
- Strengthened immune system
- Improved bone and joint health
- Decreased body fat
- Increased lung function/capacity (especially beneficial for asthma sufferers)
- Reduced risk of developing chronic diseases
That’s not to mention the mental and emotional boost swimming provides. Thanks to its ability to increase your production of feel-good endorphins, it relieves stress and induces a deep sense of relaxation and overall well being.
One of our favorite things about swimming? It’s totally inclusive and accessible — all you need is a swimsuit! Here’s why:
- Every body can participate. It doesn’t matter how tall, short, muscular or fast you are.
- It’s a life-saving skill. Being a strong swimmer can be potentially life-saving and helps boost your confidence and competence regardless of the type of water you’re in.
- It can be as social as you want. You can take solo laps or swim with a friend, depending on your mood.
- You can swim year-round. Whether you’re in need of fresh air and sunshine or a good workout to warm you up in the winter, CA’s got your back.
- There’s opportunities for all levels of skill. Swimming can be as casual or competitive as you’d like to make it. At CA, we offer everything from beginner lessons to aqua fitness classes to competitive leagues for all ages.
Interested in getting in on the action?
Learn more here about how CA can keep you splashing all year long.