Swimming is considered to be a healthy and relaxing activity. It tones the body and provides an excellent cardiovascular workout as well. Moreover, it also strengthens your heart muscles and improves the delivery of oxygen to the different parts of the body. Experts and trainers believe that this sport can be great for your health and, if included in the daily regimen, it is bound to yield marvelous results.
The health benefits of swimming
According to the U.S. Water Fitness Association (USWFA), swimming provides individuals with several physical, social and mental benefits. Some of them include improved strength and flexibility, enhanced muscular stamina and balance, a stronger heart, and better physique or figure. Apart from this, swimming also works as a fast and effective remedy for healing muscles and joints. Swimming also helps in weight control and can relieve your mind from stress and tension, fueling your energy level to a large extent. Swimming will keep you in perfect shape, physically as well as mentally. It can particularly be quite helpful for individuals who are obese, or individuals suffering from leg or lower back problems. This activity offers some aerobic benefits and unlike other weight training programs, swimming does not put strain on connective tissues. This regiment can be a wonderful recreational activity for individuals and families. It can gradually increase your heart rate and stimulate your muscle activity. It may improve blood circulation through your limbs to help them recover, and help you relax as you glide through the water.
Swimming is a great calorie burner!
Swimming burns three calories a mile per pound of bodyweight. For instance if you weigh 150lbs and it takes you roughly 30 minutes to swim one mile, then you can expect to lose 900 calories in one hour. Swimming for fitness is quickly gaining a lot of popularity, as it can be a perfect activity for nearly anyone. This includes the most competitive athletes to the physically challenged individuals. Research indicates that pregnant women benefit the most from swimming. It makes their internal abdominal muscles strong, which are most essential when carrying a baby. In addition, it strengthens the back and the muscles that help post-mastectomy women carry their weight more easily. According to experts, exercising in water can considerably reduce joint stiffness, high blood pressure, and discomfort, which are often associated with pregnancy.
Beginner swim workouts to try:
Swim Workout 1:
Try each stroke for 25 meters: front crawl, breast stroke, butterfly, elementary back stroke, back crawl, and side stroke.
Swim Workout 2:
Try each of the previous strokes for 50 meters.
Swim Workout 3:
Try each previous stroke for 25 meters then tread water for 10 minutes and repeat.
Swim Workout 4:
Tread water for three minutes before performing each stroke for 50 meters. Example: Tread then breast stroke for 50 meters, then tread again before going into the front crawl and so on.
Swim Workout 5:
Swim for as long as you can without stopping any stroke, plus the dog paddle. If you can only swim for a few minutes at a time, it is alright - just try and increase your swim time next time.
Swimming is great for recovering surgeries and general body aches
After a woman has just undergone a breast surgery, doctors often suggest swimming as part of the recovery process. This is considered to be advantageous because it exercises all the major muscle groups. It is advisable that you consult a physician or a physiotherapist before commencing an exercise program. It is very important to talk to experts as they can confirm which swimming strokes are moderate and which can be strenuous.
Natalie is the founder of THE ART OF BODY - a health services company in Bali that features personal training, pilates and physio. As a health consultant with years of experience in Canada and USA, she currently lives as a personal trainer in Bali. For further inquiries please visit : www.theartofbody.com or e-mail : ns@theartofbody.com or 081 2389 0999.
