Have you ever spent time in the water when you’re generally unhappy about your life? Have you realized how amazing it is to be near any body of water? Whether it’s the pool, the beach, a lake, or a river, being near water helps calm us down. It also relieves a lot of tension in your body. But how about swimming, huh? It has been called the perfect exercise for a reason. Not only is being in water great for us mentally, but it also has profound physical benefits.
Why do you think athletes have taken swimming as part of their routines? Why do you think therapists and counselors advise patients to seek the calming effects of the sea? They seek a swimming pool with CO2 systems not only because this has a more balanced pH level, but also because it benefits their physical and mental health.
Full Body Workout
Swimming can use all the muscles in your body. You’ll get the full-body workout whether you use breaststroke, backstroke, or butterfly. Compared to exercising in the gym, exercising in water is more physically beneficial. In fact, 30 minutes in the pool is equal to 45 minutes of the same activity you do while on solid ground. The pressure of the water makes your body work harder.
De-stressing
One survey concluded that swimming can de-stress and help people get out of depression. This survey of 101 people started with 44 people saying they are depressed because of their fast-paced lives. By the end of the swimming activity, only eight people said they are still depressed. The others were relieved of that feeling of stress and depression.
More research needs to be done in this area. However, researchers said that swimming is a potentially powerful way to reduce stress and relieve anxiety. Although it keeps your heart rate up, it takes some impact from the stress that your body experiences.
Fitness and Health
Swimming is the best way to lose weight and be fit. Just 30 minutes of swimming three times a week have the power to reduce weight. Combine this with a healthy and balanced diet, and you will remain fit and mentally well. It’s great for one’s well-being. And since you can turn this into a group activity, you can invite friends and socialize with them while working out your bodies.
Cooling Exercises
It’s difficult to exercise during the summer season. You get hot and sweaty. Some people are put off by this feeling. But when you swim, you won’t feel sweaty no matter what. The water around you cools your body temperature. Even though you’re working out twice as hard as when you’re on land, swimming does not make you feel icky at all.
Flexibility
Swimming is great for kids, adults, pregnant women, and even senior citizens. This physical activity is for everyone. It also helps children with behavioral issues to channel their energy into swimming. The elderly are also advised to take up swimming as a physical activity because this can prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Studies also show that the chlorine and other chemicals in the pool have no adverse effects on pregnant women. Those who swam during their early to mid-pregnancy have, in fact, healthier pregnancies. Swimming prevents pre-term labor and congenital defects in babies.
So if you’re searching for physical and mental exercise, swimming is your best choice. It has the meditating effect of yoga while also burning calories the way a 30-minute cardio exercise will. It’s the most balanced exercise routine for people of all ages.
