Swimming is a wonderful source of low impact exercise. Here are just a few of the many benefits of a nice swim:
- Increases your strength
The resistance of the water is greater than the resistance of the air. You can increase the resistance by using a kickboard, hand paddles, etc. helping you to build muscle. - Provides a whole-body low impact workout
Swimming works your entire body without stressing your joints. It also provides low impact cardiovascular system benefits, increasing your heart rate without stressing your body. - Helps reduce pain
Swimming can offer relief to individuals suffering from arthritis, osteoporosis, leg and lower back pain, etc. - Burns calories
You can burn almost as many calories by swimming as by running, approximately 400 calories an hour while swimming laps at a low or moderate pace. - Can help improve your sleep and mood
Aerobic exercise such as swimming has been shown to boost your mood and improve the quality of your sleep.
Swimming has so many health benefits to offer and you should consider finding a pool, lake or ocean the next time you want to change up your cardio routine.