by Eric Blair |
Doctors around the world suggest that exercising regularly has several benefits to the human body which can help extend life span as exercising reduces the risk of several diseases and boosts the overall well-being of the body. When we talk about swimming, the first thing that comes to mind is that it is important for water safety and this is rightfully so, as teaching individuals how to swim can be the difference between life and death in certain situations.
Many parents are advised to take their children for swimming lessons at a very young age to teach them water safety and prevent death from drowning. Furthermore, parents are advised to not leave their children unsupervised near pools and water bodies but unfortunately every day in the US, nine people die from drowning. Apart from just safety, there are many other swimming benefits both physically and psychologically which will be discussed below.
Reduces the risk of Chronic illness – Just like many other forms of exercising swimming has several health benefits and according to a report by the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA), swimming extends the life of men by cutting the risk of dying early by up to 50% when compared to people who run, walk, cycle, or do no activities. The report also found out that both male and female benefit because swimming reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes type-II. It also improves an individual’s cardiovascular fitness.
Improves Fitness and weight loss – health institutions suggest that to remain healthy, individuals especially adults, must engage in at least 30 minutes of regular to intense activities at least five days a week hence, swimming could be incorporated to take up a day of exercise during the week. This is because half an hour of swimming can burn an average 250 calories and give you a full body workout. This is only 11 percent less calories burned compared to running and only 3 per cent less calories burned compared to cycling for the same time period which shows that swimming is good for losing weight. So next time you feel like exercising and having fun at the same time, you just go swimming.
It’s a low impact exercise – when you do regular workouts on the ground surface like jogging, cycling, etc., your joints can get strained and stressed however, since ground impact is absent when swimming, it protect the joints from strain and stress which is why the Arthritis foundation recommends swimming. Furthermore, it is a way to stay fit when injured and this is why athletes are advised to swim when they are injured to maintain their fitness level. Being low impact also ensures that swimming can be continued for a lifetime so old age does not stop you from swimming.
It clears the mind – according to the ASA, swimming can be used to reduce stress and clear the mind which can improve the mental state of an individual and although this is something which is highly subjective, many swimmers agree that it improves their mental well-being as they get a sense of calm when swimming. To sum this up, swimming can make you feel better and happier.
So there you have it, the benefits of swimming and remember, a 30 minute swim at least once a week could extend your lifespan. If you don’t know how to swim, visit a pool near your location to register for lessons [very important] and please leave your comments below. Cheers.
[Sources: WebMD, Medicinenet]
So there you have it, the benefits of swimming and remember, a 30 minute swim at least once a week could extend your lifespan. If you don’t know how to swim, visit a pool near your location to register for lessons [very important] and please leave your comments below. Cheers.
[Sources: WebMD, Medicinenet]