Health Benefits of Swimming

NO SWEAT

You won’t feel sweaty, at least. Running, weight lifting, cardio, hot yoga, most exercise requires your body to sweat to cool it down. But you’re already in the pool, getting wet, and you’re not heating up as much. This means you don’t have to worry about sweat getting in your eyes or running down your back because the water keeps you cool.

BURN CALORIES

Swimming is an extremely efficient method of exercise, and it can help you burn an average of 250 calories in 30 minutes with moderate effort.

IMPROVE CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

In addition to burning calories, swimming is also a fantastic way to improve your cardiovascular health—and it can even help prevent disease: stroke, heart disease, and type II diabetes.

WORK OUT EVERY MUSCLE GROUP

Did you know? A 30-minute workout in the water is approximately equivalent to a 45-minute “out of the water” workout? That’s efficient. And if your excuse for not working out is lack of time, consider swimming the perfect solution. No more “leg days” or “arm days”—every day is “every muscle” day when you swim.

NO IMPACT

Injuries don’t have to stop you. If you’ve sustained a recent athletic injury that prevents you from your typical exercise, pivot to swimming. It is a fantastic no-impact workout that doesn’t put extra weight or pressure on any part of the body.

INCREASED ENERGY AND MOOD

Swimming is a great method to burn calories and it can help increase your energy. It has been shown to lower stress levels, and helps you improve your stamina.

Swimmers Can Benefit from Chiropractic Care

Perhaps you don’t need convincing. Maybe you’re already a swimmer, and now you need a little extra care to keep your body aligned. Competitive swimmers can benefit in a big way from chiropractic care.

• Getting adjusted can keep your body aligned.
• Chiropractic care can reduce pain and discomfort for optimal performance as well as prevent injury.

Swimming For Stress Relief

Have you ever screamed underwater? Life can be stressful between work, family, bills, and general responsibilities. And it can feel good to let it all out. But there’s an even better way to use water for stress relief. Go for a few laps, whether you do freestyle, butterfly, or breaststroke.

POSITIVE MENTAL IMPACT

Exercise of any kind can be helpful for our mental health (in addition to our physical health). Look forward to improving your mood, increasing your self esteem, and slowing down the effects of dementia or other cognitive problems. You can also enjoy better sleep, which in turn improves your mental health and can help eliminate extra stress from your life. Plus, just being in water can help aid in relaxation. According to swimming.org, “Swimming for just 30 minutes, three days a week has been shown to lower stress levels, improve sleep patterns, and lower anxiety and depression.” Feeling weightless in the water certainly contributes, as well.

Getting Started with Swimming

It might feel a little overwhelming to start a new exercise regimen—especially one that involves a bathing suit, and possibly a swim cap and goggles. Keep these tips and tricks in mind as you dive into a new hobby to help your physical and mental health:

SWIM BUDDY

Find a friend to help you get started—they’ll know the best time to go and what you’ll need to start out.

START SMALL

You’re not going to be Michael Phelps overnight, so keep your goals attainable and stay encouraged. Creating new habits takes time and dedication. Starting small with the opportunity to grow your stamina and abilities is your best bet.

GET IN A GROUP

Finding a swim class or a swimming group that has similar goals to yours can be helpful in making friends and feeling supported, particularly if you’re swimming for your mental health.

BODY CONSCIOUS?

If you feel uncomfortable in your suit, you may be able to have a coverup that you can swim in, or you can have a robe or a towel that you can take and have ready next to the pool. You can also look into taking classes or joining groups that are only men or only women.

CHECK THE TEMP—AND YOURSELF

Cold water can be a shock to your body. Give yourself some time to get used to the water if it isn’t heated and controlled. Remember to also stay hydrated. Being in the pool doesn’t mean you’re not sweating, as we mentioned above. Keep water for drinking handy for before and after your workout.

Are you considering swimming after we listed out all the benefits? You certainly should. Go for a dip, and come see us if you need help staying in your best alignment so you can just keep swimming.