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I have to say, I have always enjoyed swimming and as a kid, I was basically a fish, swimming 6 times a week for a club and loved it.
Fast forward to today and I hadn’t swum for years for various reasons or another and when I broke my ankle I needed some kind of exercise until I was back on my feet (pun definitely intended) but I had forgotten how much I loved it and how great I felt afterward! Trying to add swimming into an already busy schedule of running, strength training and everything else though has been a bit of a challenge so I have settled on once a week (or once a fortnight) for now.
To justify more exercise in my life (as if I need too!) I decided to write an informative post on the benefits of swimming in the hopes I will keep motivating myself to find time to keep it in my routine! So here they are…
Rehab
This one is a biggie for me, swimming is excellent as rehabilitation for injuries such as mine because it helps to gently build up strength in the muscles, joints and ligaments without causing a lot of pain. Although my muscles and ankle are always tired after a swim I haven’t had any recovery setbacks from swimming at all!
Low impact
Because swimming is so low impact it can help strengthen muscles or help those with pre-existing injuries with joints, back or even strained muscles to have an accessible way to stay fit without aggravating other injuries! This is one of the main reasons that swimming is recommended by specialists to those with injuries or ailments.
Muscle All-rounder
Swimming helps to work some of the muscles that you forget about, as well as some of the deeper abdominals that are harder to get too because naturally keeping yourself up and afloat uses these muscles. Also, swimming is great for the upper body if you hate working out your arms and shoulders (like me) it is a way to keep them lean without having to do much else!
Stamina builder
By holding your breath underwater and working out by swimming it helps to improve the efficiency at which your body uses oxygen. For runners or athletes, this is incredibly beneficial because it means that running at harder efforts your body uses oxygen in a better way and reduces tiredness in muscles. For runners specifically, swimming helps to improve stamina and can also be a way to improve breathing training if you have breathing or chest issues during events.
Change up your Routine
One of the key parts to staying fit and healthy (physically and mentally) is to enjoy what you are doing. Yes, there are days when you can’t be bothered but in general successful and healthy people enjoy their exercise plans and this is because of variety and keeping things interesting. Swimming can offer a new and interesting dynamic to a workout regime and offer a break from the usual types of cardio or plans that people follow. (it’s just something a bit different!)
It’s for everyone
One of the best parts about swimming is that you can get everyone involved because it is very inclusive! It’s great for nanny and grandad without being too much of a strain on them (it’s actually beneficial for arthritis too). The kids love splashing around, having fun and getting worn out (which is always the best option for getting them to sleep well) and even the little womb bugs enjoy it too! Swimming during pregnancy (for most) is heavily encouraged and can help you to have a better labour! Even animals love a good swim, dogs especially are keen swimmers (usually) and I’ve even seen the occasional cat swim (although not at the local swimming pool!).
How can you justify swimming? Let me know in the comments!
It is important to remember to consult your doctor before you undergo any new activities, especially if you have pre-existing conditions! I am definitely not a doctor or healthcare professional but I am writing about my experiences that were recommended to me by a specialist. Be safe, happy and healthy and do what is best for your body!
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38 comments on “Justifying, Using The Benefits of Swimming”
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I love swimming very much! And, at least in my opinion, is not a boring workout…sorry, I am a lazy girl :P.
You make a good case for swimming. Of course the pleasure and fun are tops.
Kathleen
I love swimming! It is extremely low impact, which I like, plus it’s such a good cardio workout!
Omg swimming is absolutely the best!!! My daughter and I both swim as much as we can!!!
I love swimming for all the reasons you mentioned. It is the only sport I am good at.
Ahh yes I agree with all of the above reasons!! Swimming is a great exercise. And there are only a few strokes you have to learn and then just get really good at those.
I love. love. love swimming! I was on a swim team as a child and it just feels so good to get back into the water. I also love open eater swimming. Swimming from Alcatraz was quite a thrill.
Swimming is so great! It’s a full body workout that works muscles you don’t normally use, as well as cardio at the same time. Love it!
Swimming is such a great activity for the heart. I wish I had a pool in our backyard because it would help with the bone pain that I have.
I used to swim all the time as a child. As an adult not so much but I would love to do it more often again.
When I was a lifeguard, it was mandatory to swim a certain length each week. I tell you what, it was a great workout!
I love swimming so much. It is such a fun, low impact exercise. This makes me want to get my YMCA membership renewed!
I had determined to swim more this year Charlotte – especially as I live in Australia and in Queensland which is hot! Your post and reinforced my intention especially as it is low impact. I’ll be sharing with my #couchpotatotofabfit FB group thanks!
I love swimming! I’ve never been any good at it but it does have a lot of benefits!
I love swimming! I just found out my 16 year old sister can’t swim! My husband and I spend hours in the pool weekly. We both understand it is such an important skill.
I’m a huge fan of swimming! My kids just started swim lessons and they’re loving it! It helps them focus on school too because they get so much energy out during lessons!
I used to love swimming when I was younger. Who knew that there were so many benefits?! Maybe I need to get back into it.
I never got into swimming even though we live in Florida. My husband used to play water polo though! How fun is that?!
Swimming is actually one of the best hobbies I started. I become a lifeguard when I was 16 and right before that I started training and actually doing long distance freestyling. SWIM SWIM SWIM!
Swimming is a great workout especially if you’re aiming to have a toned body! These are all true about swimming, it’s really good for your health and posture!
I love swimming! I used to swim all the time, but don’t nearly as much now with little ones, even though they need to learn!
I really need to start doing this, I just feel like I look silly when I swim lol, but I have had a shoulder injury and I really need to increase my stamina. This is a great post!
My kids and I love to swim. My son’s occupational therapist said it was a great exercise and sport for him.
I was a swimmer too but never swim anymore. You are right that it is great full body exercise and perfect for recovery. I need to get some goggles again.
I loved swimming while pregnant this summer! It was so nice and felt really good.
I love swimming. If I had a pool, I am pretty sure I would be skinny! That is the first thing I want to do when we are at a hotel…I’m like a kid 🙂
I always turn to swimming when I am injured as a runner, but I need to do it more regularly. It’s so easy on your joints!
The section “swimming is for everyone” really got me – because I am the WORST swimmer. Like tragically bad. But you’ve renewed my hope, I just need to find my swimming niche.
ahh you don’t have to be a good swimmer to enjoy the water. You could also try aqua aerobics which is great, low-impact exercise and doesn’t require you to swim!!
My daughter and I try to spend at least an hour swimming daily because, you’re right, it’s for everyone. Once I get a good workout in, we happily stay and play in the pool.
Swimming is probably one of the greatest exercises anyone can do for themselves. Totally fun and healthy at the same time! And I’m never hungrier after a swim! 🙂
Living in sunny Florida, swimming is almost perfect year round! It’s definitely one of my favorite ways to exercise!
I swam a lot for exercise during my pregnancies. Since it’s low impact, it was okay for me to do and it was more fun than walking during the hot summer!
I have heard so many people who love to swim and it seems like it would be great to exercise that way.
Swimming is a really amazing exercise for a mil reasons! And the low impact on joints is a biggie! Wish I could swim more often during the year!
You mentioned the benefits and all the reasons why it is good for everyone, and I agree!
Oh gosh I haven’t truly going swimming in ages! I would love to take lessons again and this post makes me want to look up pools and go for it!
There are so many great benefits of swimming. I can’t wait to start my daughter in swimming lessons!