Highlighted below are a few of reasons how everyone can benefit from swimming; as a primary or alternate form of physical fitness to complement an existing routine.
1. Great for the Heart
Swimming provides excellent cardiovascular conditioning. While other forms of exercise may be more effective for elite athletes; such as running and cycling, incorporating swimming into a cross-training routine can improve overall fitness performance. With good technique and regular practice even beginners will be able to notice the positive effect of swimming.
2. Builds and Tones Muscles
Swimming builds long, lean muscles, that in conjunction with the short dense muscles developed from weight training, help boost metabolism to keep calories burning longer.
3. Strengthens Your Core
Swimming uses all the body’s muscles simultaneously developing core strength. The core muscles are the foundation of all movements of the body. A strong core helps with posture, balance and back health.
4. A Sense of Adventure
71% of the earth is covered by water. Look past the backyard pool and consider other ways to enjoy the water; scuba diving and snorkeling in the ocean, participating in a triathlon, or kayaking with family at the near by lake.
5. Social Outlet
Group water activities such as a masters swim team or aquatic fitness class is a great way to meet new people with mutual interests, it offers peer motivation and professional coaching that provides you with positive fitness results.
Consider the possibilities of incorporating swimming into your regular fitness routine.