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Let’s face it, achieving fitness requires months of hard work and commitment and it is no walk in the park. One usually has to change their way of life to achieve their fitness goals. And finding an exercise that is enjoyable, effective, and suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels can be a challenge. Many times, exercising ends up being a chore that is no longer fun to do.
But one unique exercise that is both fun and very effective is swimming. Swimming stands out as a low-impact exercise that checks almost all the boxes. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a beginner, swimming is a full-body workout that is gentle on joints, aids in weight loss and can be the perfect way to beat the blistering heat of the summer.
In this blog post, we'll dive head-first into the benefits of swimming and understand why it is an excellent choice for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Benefits of Swimming
It’s Full-Body Workout
Not many exercises can boast of working on the entire body. Swimming is a unique workout that engages almost all major muscle groups. Your arms, core, back, and legs all get an intense workout during each stroke. Unlike other exercises that may target specific areas, swimming provides a complete and balanced workout, promoting overall muscle development, improving strength and aiding in muscle toning.
It is a Low-Impact Exercise
Although exercising usually has only positive effects on the body, one of the rare disadvantages of cardio workouts like running is the impact on the joints. Persons with weak joints or joint diseases may not be able to practise those exercises. The greatest advantage of swimming is its low-impact nature. The water supports your body, reducing the strain on your joints. This makes swimming an ideal exercise for people with joint pain, arthritis, or injuries, as it minimises the risk of impact-related injuries. Read more about swimming vs. walking health benefits based on impact on joints.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Swimming is a cardiovascular workout and hence is a fantastic way to improve cardiovascular health. When you swim, your heart and lungs work together to deliver oxygen to your muscles, enhancing their endurance and efficiency. Regular swimming sessions can increase your lung capacity, improve circulation, and lower blood pressure. It's a great way to get your heart pumping and improve heart health. Over time, swimming can increase your physical capability and boost your energy levels.
It Burns Calories and Aids in Weight Loss
Swimming is one of the best exercises to lose weight. It is that rare exercise where you end up having fun in the water and lose a significant number of calories. The resistance provided by the water increases the intensity of your workout, leading to a higher calorie burn compared to other low-impact exercises. Harvard Medical School states that 30 minutes of vigorous swimming can burn 300-420 calories.
Improves Mental Health
Apart from its physical benefits, swimming also contributes to your mental well-being. Like any exercise, swimming releases endorphins, which are hormones that make you feel good. This can reduce stress and improve your mood. The combination of splashing in cool water and physical activity can have a calming effect on the mind.
Excellent for All Ages and Fitness Levels
One amazing benefit of swimming exercise is that it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you're a child learning to swim or an older adult looking for low-impact exercise, swimming can be a great option. It is also very versatile with plenty of strokes that are suitable for beginners, while seasoned swimmers can opt for more intense strokes like the butterfly stroke.
Thus, swimming is one of the better exercises one can practise. In this sweltering heat, it may be the perfect choice of exercise to help you remain cool. If you’re looking for the best swimming classes near you, get the FITPASS app today. Find swimming classes in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi and all major metro cities in the blink of an eye. Not just swimming, but you can also locate and choose from hundreds of fitness studios near you.