Swimming is one of the gentlest forms of aerobic exercise on the body. When fully submerged, the water supports most of your body weight, leaving you to carry only about 10 percent of it. This reduces stress on your joints and muscles, making swimming ideal for people with arthritis or joint pain. In fact, the Arthritis Foundation recommends water workouts to loosen stiff joints and decrease discomfort from osteoarthritis.
Swimming is a full-body workout that engages multiple muscle groups while improving cardiovascular health. The resistance of the water strengthens muscles, and the controlled breathing required increases lung capacity and efficiency.
Swimming is a meditative exercise. The rhythmic stretching of muscles and deep, steady breathing can produce the same relaxation response as yoga or meditation. Regular swimming—two or more times per week—has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression in both men and women.
Swimming may help you live longer. A study from the University of South Carolina found that men who swam regularly had a 50% lower death rate than runners or walkers, and women receive similar benefits. Another study from Northwestern University suggested swimming could add up to ten years to your life, with death rates from heart disease nearly 80% lower among swimmers.
No matter your age or skill level, swimming is a lifelong activity that can improve your health and well-being. Whether for recreation, fitness, or competitive swimming, the benefits of swimming are accessible to everyone.
If you are interested in recreational swimming or enrolling your child in swim classes or swim team, visit our website to locate a pool near you!
