Sometimes it can be challenging to find the right workout routine that works for you. There are so many possibilities in the world of fitness that a person could get overwhelmed. But one exercise that many people forget about is swimming. Most people look at swimming as a family outing or as a sport of competition. But what if there’s a middle ground people don’t speak of, where a person can take labs in the pool to the reek the benefits of exercise. In fact, this active exercise receives many benefits. But are these benefits what you receive from your average workout at the gym? Here are the hidden benefits of swimming:
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Enhances muscle shape
Due to the activity of swimming, swimmers obtain muscle strength throughout their entire body. Therefore, swimming is a total body workout whereas running, jogging, and weightlifting only workout specific areas of the body. If you swim to exercise, you’ll work out more muscles groups in less time. If you run, jog, or weight lift and want to work out different muscle groups you’ll have to do different segments or have different parts to your workout routine to do so.
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Improves flexibility
While swimming, a swimmer must stretch and pull to get themselves through the water. The actions of swimming such as stretching and pulling help with flexibility. Flexibility helps to prevent sprains and cramps. In addition, being flexible also helps with muscle soreness. Therefore, if you’re an athlete of some kind or an avid gym rat, it might be in your best interest to start swimming for your body’s well-being.
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Decreases inflammation
As many know swimming strengthens the heart muscle, in fact, many individuals swim to try and improve their heart health. However, swimming can also decrease inflammation. While some people disagree others full heartedly believe that swimming can reduce inflammation in the body and prevent diseases from advancing. Well what do you think, is it fact or fiction?
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Burns calories
The number of calories you burn can differ for everyone depending on the length of time you swim, the strength you have, and the stroke you choose. However, swimming is known for burning calories. In fact, swimming can burn equal to the number of calories you would burn running and potentially more. Therefore, swimming easy reputation is not necessarily true. It’s easy to swim, but some people might find that accomplish their goal is harder than it looks.
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Improve asthma that is brought on by exercise
If you have asthma or asthma brought on by exercising than swimming can help you, swimming is unlike other activities since you’re breathing in damp air. The moist air can help you breathe more steadily and help you accomplish your exercise. In addition, swimming also improves lung function by teaching proper breathing techniques. These breathing techniques will aid in your body’s well-being and overall health as time goes on.
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Reduces stress
As everyone knows there are many ways to reduce stress. Some people watch tv, play a sport, or listen to music. But swimming can help decrease stress and anxiety too! Due to the activity of swimming, many swimmers find swimming to be soothing and a time for contemplation. If you like swimming or want to try something new, then go to your local clubhouse and take a few laps around the pool. But remember to focus on your breathing and let all other interference disappear.
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Good beauty remedy
Do you fear the thought of aging? Well, fret no more. Saltwater swimming can help preserve moisture in the skin. In fact, saltwater swimming also encourages new cell growth, so you maintain your glowing beauty for years to come. In addition, saltwater swimming assists with detoxifying the body, to continue living healthy. So, if you swim, it might be a good idea to switch from chlorine to the natural ocean waters. Who knows, maybe you’ll find that you like saltwater swimming more.
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Very little gear
To swim there is very little gear required unlike other exercises like running. To run a person would need proper running shoes, an iPod or a phone, and braces if necessary. However, all of those items can be expensive when added up over time. To swim all is needed is some goggles, a swimsuit, and a towel for afterward. Unlike running after time, the price of all the items will not add to a pricey amount. Sure, you can buy a fancy bathing suit, but you can buy a towel for under ten dollars.
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Make you smarter
It is quite known that regular exercise is good for the brain. In fact, performing a daily exercise such as swimming can enhance memory capability and cognitive skills. Some people think that swimming helps the brain more since there is a higher level of recall needed. For example, the number of laps a person made across the pool or how many meters a person needs to go down before they can go back to the surface. However, many people may disagree while others will full heartedly agree. But what do you think? Do you believe that swimming can make you smarter?
Swimming can be a social exercise if you want it to be. There are many swimming classes out there for all ages that allow you to be social with other people. It is known that when you’re social, it’s less likely for you to be depressed, have anxiety, or be stressed. Therefore, if swimming calms you then why not try it in a class form, you can be relaxed and meet new people too!
Swimming is not only a family outing or a competitive sport you see during the Olympics. Swimming can be used in your workout routine either as your whole routine or as a part of it. However, you should not just swim in a pool but try to spread sometime in the ocean. Saltwater swimming can help your skin, and maybe you’ll like more than you think, but you never know unless you try. So, whether it’s in the comfort of a pool or the oceans get to swimming, you guys!
