May 14, 2015
8 Benefits of Swimming As Part of Your Workout
Summer is fast approaching! One of the best parts is getting to spend your days splashing around in the water - but why would you wait until then? Swimming can be done year round at your local pool (or if you're lucky enough, outside). But did you know it has a whole bunch of awesome benefits as a workout? Check'em out below!
It Counts as Both Cardio and Strength Training
It's forced cardio (because you're always, technically sinking), not to mention, water is roughly 800 times denser than air. This means your muscles are under constant resistance.
It's Low Impact
Low impact means swimming is a great workout for people with injuries or join problems. That doesn't mean less results though! You can swim at higher intensities on a regular basis without feeling wear and tear on your body. Even better? Research shows swimming is better than normal rest for exercise recovery, for when you really need to take it easy.
It's Awesome for Your Lungs
When you're submerged in water, oxygen is at a premium. In turn, your body adapts to use oxygen more efficiently. It also learns to take in more fresh air with every breath, and expel more carbon dioxide with every exhalation. In fact, studies have shown that swimmers have a better tidal volume (how deep we breath in a relaxed state) than even runners. This means lower resting heart rates and lower blood pressure.
It Increases Endurance
By increasing your ability to take in and effectively use oxygen, swimming increases your endurance capacity a ton. Air benefits aside, swimming trains your glutes and hamstrings, your core, and your shoulders - all what make you more of an endurance beast.
Any Fitness Level Can Do It
It doesn't matter if you're pregnant, new to fitness, or an Ironman competitor - swimming can give you a great workout (as long as you know how to swim). You control the pace, intensity, and what you get out of every session.
It A Stress Reliever
Being submerged in water dulls the amount of sensory information that attacks your body, helping to bring on feelings of calm. It also helps you release happy endorphins (just like normal exercise!)
It Turns Back the Clock
Studies have shown that regular swimmers are actually about 20yrs younger biologically than their actual age. Swimming positively affects blood pressure, cholesterol levels, cardiovascular performance, central nervous system health, cognitive functioning, muscle mass and blood chemistry to be much more similar to your youthful self.