How Swimming is The Key To Getting in Perfect Shape
Have you ever admired the physique of competitive swimmers? It’s really quite impressive. Swimmers have broad shoulders, toned legs, flat abs, and good posture. It’s really no surprise when you consider that swimming for exercise is among the most effective and efficient ways to get a workout. Just 30 minutes in the pool can torch up to 465 calories with low-impact on your bones and joints. Very few exercises provide a true full-body workout, but swimming engages your body head-to-toe. Here are our top 3 reasons why swimming is the key to getting in perfect shape.
Swimming is Low-Impact
If you have past injuries, conditions like arthritis, or just generally achy joints or back pain, swimming may be the fitness answer you’ve been looking for. “Low impact” exercise includes a category of activities that put little-to-no strain on the bones and joints. When you are in the pool, the water provides resistance but also buoys your body. This combination of resistance and weightlessness makes swimming easier on your joints but also highly effective at burning calories. There is a good reason the Cleveland Clinic calls swimming, “one of the best low-impact exercises” for all ages.
Swimming Provides a Full Body Workout
It takes nearly every muscle in your body to maintain proper form while swimming – including your heart! First, your core (abdominals and back) has to engage to maintain proper alignment and keep you afloat on the surface of the water. To move in the water, your arms, shoulders, back, hips, and legs work in sync to propel and pull you forward. Not only does the motion of swimming (kicking legs and arm strokes) keep you active, but the added resistance of the water makes the muscles work double time. Since swimming is easier on the joints and the water keeps you cool most people can workout longer in the pool than if they were doing something like running. Add to that the fact that the time spent in the pool is working your entire body and you’re looking at a seriously efficient workout. No more worry about separating upper body and lower body fitness – swimming does it all.
Swimming Combines Strength and Cardio
In addition to water resistance providing a great strength workout for the entire body, swimming provides an excellent cardiovascular workout. Studies from the CDC have shown that swimming can actually improve the heart’s ability to contract, lower blood pressure, and improve lung capacity. As with any new fitness regimen, anyone who is starting up a swimming routine should speak to a doctor before getting in the pool. When you’re ready to dive in, you may be surprised at how difficult it is to swim for more than a few minutes at a time! You’ll catch on quick to just how good a workout this is. You can build up your skills and stamina over time. When you want to focus on learning great form, a couple of inexpensive tools can help you. Pick up a kick board and a pull float at your local sporting goods store. A kickboard is something you hold with your arms to keep your upper body afloat while your legs do all the work of pushing you through the water. A pull float is held between your legs to keep them floating behind you while your arms pull you along. Isolating your movements can help you perfect your stroke, build stamina, and get a great workout. When you get good, you can even up the ante with small fins and hand paddles for added resistance!
Ready to dive in? Maybe you should consider getting your own pool at home. If you’re thinking of installing one, starting with a consultation is simple. It can start with an easy google search such as pool cost or pool contractors in your area. Having your own pool could be well worth the money, and could benefit your health and well-being in the long run. With the right pool setup you can stay active and fit all year round with your pool. It can be a fantastic outlet for both recreation and fitness purposes.