Swimming is a great form of exercise for people of all ages, providing many benefits with a low-impact, total body workout. Whether swimming for recreation or as prescribed therapy, exercising in the water offers many benefits to improve and maintain a healthy body. Swimming provides a total body workout with aerobic and cardio activity while also improving flexibility and strength.
Low-Impact Pool Workout
Unlike exercising on land, exercising in the water offers many benefits with a low-impact workout. The buoyancy of the water helps to offset gravity to support your body during exercise which relieves pressure on joints, muscles and ligaments. The water cushions weight bearing joints, reducing sore muscles, stress fractures and potential injury that can occur when exercising on the ground.
Swimming Helps Arthritis and Chronic Conditions
Swimming as a form of low-impact exercise is often prescribed for people suffering from joint or back pain and chronic conditions such as arthritis. Water therapy helps to alleviate symptoms of arthritis and is even shown to slow down the progression of the disease. Hydrotherapy is recommended for people suffering from rheumatoid and juvenile arthritis, offering low-impact physical activity which contributes to less pain and possible remission in some patients.
Swimming also provides benefits to diabetes patients, helping to control high blood sugar and cholesterol with a safe, low-impact workout. Swimming provides valuable aerobic activity to people who suffer from diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood sugar.
Swimming Improves Mental Health
Swimming has been shown to improve the mental health of both women and men to improve mood, lessen anxiety and decrease depression. Pregnant women benefit from warm water therapy, which is also beneficial for children diagnosed with developmental disabilities and disorders. Swimming just makes us feel good, no matter your gender or age.
At least two and a half hours per week of aerobic activity is recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Why not get your recommended aerobic activity from a safe, low-impact, mood-elevating and fun activity like swimming? Exercising in the water is proven to benefit many chronic illnesses and may even prevent development or progression of certain diseases.
The Swimming Pool Store offers pool products for all your water exercising needs with a wide selection of water therapy items. We encourage you to discover the benefits of water therapy and stay safe this summer while improving your overall health. Contact us for all your swimming pool needs including free water testing, pool balancing chemicals and pool accessories.