It’s universally accepted that to be fit and healthy, most people must clock up around 150 minutes of a few aerobic activities per week. It means activities such as jogging, running, cycling, group exercise classes, or weight lifting. 150 minutes of regular weekly exercise protects against chronic diseases and helps you manage weight. It produces positive improvements in general fitness.
While almost any type of exercise is good for your health, there is one that could save your life – swimming. Being able to swim is a rewarding life skill. It could be the difference between drowning and surviving an unexpected water encounter.
Now, can you get in shape by swimming at Oro Valley Aquatic Centre, and what are the benefits of hitting the pool? Let’s reveal the positive effects of swimming for fitness.
Top 5 reasons to start swimming
1. Non-impact
While running is a great workout, it can also be challenging on your joints. When you run, your feet hit the ground with force equal to eight times your body weight. It may affect your feet, ankles, knees, hips, spine, and the surrounding muscles. Running is not the best workout for those with underlying musculoskeletal issues like arthritis.
However, when you swim in water, your weight is supported by it, so there is very little stress on your joints. So swimming is an excellent workout for overweight people, those with joint pain, and people who prefer to avoid high-impact activities. Swimming is a low-stress activity, and you can swim almost every day if you wish to see noticeable results.
2. Less equipment required
You only need a bathing suit, swim cap, and goggles to start swimming. Joining Oro Valley Aquatic Center swim lessons is also a great alternative to start.
Some people also use equipment like:
- pull buoys,
- kickboards,
- pool fins, and
- webbed gloves,
However, most indoor pools will need you to have a swim cap and goggles to protect your eyes in the water. In short, you can start swimming at very minimum prerequisites.
3. Full-body workout
The four main swim strokes are front crawl, back crawl, breaststroke, and butterfly stroke. They work on different muscle groups. Unlike cardio, which is lower body dominant, swimming simultaneously works your upper body and lower body. It’s a very time-efficient way of full body workout.
4. Versatile
You can swim to achieve different fitness goals. Long, slower-paced swims are effective for building aerobic fitness, muscular endurance, and burning calories. In contrast, short, fast swims and interval training will enhance your anaerobic fitness levels and strengthen your major muscles. You can even combine both swimming types into one workout
5. A life skill
It is such a huge benefit that it’s worth mentioning again –knowing how to swim could save your life and even the lives of your family, friends, and strangers if needed.
7 positive things swimming can do for body transformation
1. Weight loss
Swimming increases your calorie expenditure, so when combined with a sensible diet, it could help you lose weight, burn fat, and even get ripped. Depending on how fast you swim, you should burn many calories, between 500-800 calories per hour. Consider taking swimming classes at Oro Valley Aquatic Center to start a weight loss journey.
2. Better cardiovascular fitness
Cardiovascular fitness covers the heart, lungs, and circulatory system. It’s the ability to take in, transport, and utilize oxygen in the body. The fitter you are, the harder and longer you’ll be able to perform exercise and the maximum calories you’ll burn per workout.
Better cardiovascular fitness will make many activities less tiring, like walking up the stairs, gardening, and playing.
3. Better heart health
Improvements in cardiovascular fitness are linked to better heart health. Swimming regularly can lower your risk of several potentially life-threatening conditions, such as
- Heart disease
- Cardiac arrest
- Hypertension
- Stroke
Swimming is also an excellent intervention for lung and breathing problems like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, you should consult your doctor before swimming if you have a lung or breathing-related illness.
4. Stronger & toned muscles
Swimming is one of the few workouts that has the potential to strengthen, tone, and even build all of the major muscles in your body. Swimming works on the chest, shoulders, back, core, hips, and legs. Sprint swimmers are seen to be muscular, which is why it’s worth doing short, fast swim intervals if you want to shape up as well as control your weight. When well developed, the muscles will give your body an attractive V-taper.
Combining swimming with gym workouts can help you transform your body and achieve your dream physique faster.
5. Improve sleep quality
Sleep is essential for overall health and mental wellbeing. Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night, but many struggle to get enough shut-eye.
Swimming makes falling asleep easier and improves sleep quality and duration. Whether you want to lose weight faster or recover better from your workouts, getting more sleep will help. As the best solution, swimming could be the sleep aid you’ve been looking for.
The Bottom Line
Now that you know all the right reasons to swim, wait no further to get fitter and healthier. It is a fun activity for all age groups, skills, and fitness levels. Join swimming classes at Oro Valley Aquatic Center for the best workout. The expert instructors at Saguaro Aquatics will make your time by the pool more enjoyable and effective. Visit the website or call on (520) 638-8040 to get enrolled.
