The Benefits of Swimming

Swimming can sometimes be inadvertently left off of the list of cardiovascular activities we can do to improve our physical health. Swimming is an excellent exercise; not only does it provide the swimmer with a strong cardio workout but it also tones the muscles of the body as a whole. Additionally, while it strengthens and improves the heart muscles, it also helps to deliver oxygen to our muscles.

When you are swimming you are almost always using your upper and lower body in conjunction to move yourself through the water so you are engaging more muscles and burning more calories than with other cardio exercise such as running or walking.

Many people find swimming to be a very stress relieving exercise, allowing them to clear the mind and focus on breathing. The calming and cooling effect of the water can also work to relieve stress.

Swimming is a great workout for people recovering from injuries or who find it difficult to do high impact exercise such as jogging or walking. There is much less concern about injuries and stress to the body, making this a safe alternative to higher-impact exercises.

Cost is another advantage of swimming as exercise; swimming is a relatively inexpensive activity and can be done at a variety of locations, indoors or even outdoors depending on where you live. You may wish to purchase swimming gear such as goggles to allow for easier navigation through water, and earplugs to prevent water from collecting in your ears. If you are concerned about the effects of chlorine or ozone on your hair or if you want to focus on improving the speed of your swimming, a swimming cap is also recommended. A swim cap is a simple way for you to help streamline your body and help you move through the water with less resistance.

There are a few things to consider when implementing swimming as a part of your regular workout routine. It is very important to regulate your breathing while swimming. You will need to adapt the way you traditionally breathe during exercise to allow your breathing pattern to be timed with the mechanics of your swimming stroke. Finally, many people like to use a heart rate monitor to keep an eye on the effort they are putting into the activity. Since swimming has such low impact sometimes we forget to pay attention to how hard we are working our bodies and it can put you in a dangerous situation. Tracking your exertion with a heart rate monitor is a great way to ensure you are working at optimal levels to meet your personal fitness goals.