The Benefits of Swimming

Being active can help you live longer and feel better.  It can improve your mood and help you sleep better.  It can help you manage your weight and improve your balance.  

Surveys have shown the activity most people want to take part in is swimming – and they have made a wise choice because swimming is so good for you.

The best exercise
You’ll often hear people say that swimming is the best exercise.  But just what is it that makes swimming such an excellent way to get and stay active? 
Reasons to take the plunge:
-      30 minutes of steady paced lane swimming burns over 200 calories – well over 400 in an hour
-      Any swimming that makes you breathe more heavily counts as ‘moderate’ activity.  Even treading water takes effort, so you are working most of the time you’re in the pool……But remember – chatting in the shallow end only works your facial muscles!
-      The pressure and resistance of the water makes your body work that little bit harder.  30 minutes of activity in the water is worth 45 minutes of the same activity on land. 
-      The water takes your weight, so swimming can be great for those who want low impact exercise - women during pregnancy for example, or for people who have mobility problems or want to protect their joints.   
-      Swimming works your whole body for all over toning!
-      Swimming is great for your heart. Because you are using your whole body your heart has to pump blood hard to your arms and legs, helping circulation too
-      It is also great for your lungs – length swimming in particular forces you to breathe in a deep and rhythmic way which gives your lungs a boost

Psychological effects
Being in water can have great psychological benefits too – the pool can ‘take you away from it all’ and the feeling of being in water can be refreshing, relaxing, and liberating as the water takes your weight.

Psychological studies have shown that swimmers report significantly less tension, depression, anger, confusion, and more vigor after exercising than before. This was for those who were beginning to swim and those that were more experienced.

Just starting with activity?  Start slowly and build up – if you have any concerns or any existing medical problem ask your GP before you start.