Swimming: Water sports are so healthy
Swimming is only for the summer? Are you kidding me? Are you serious when you say that! If you want to do something for your muscles, endurance, heart and psyche in winter, you should go to the swimming pool more often. What does the healthy all-round workout bring? Here is the fact check in lifeguard certification classes near me.
Swimming is a real all-rounder among sports: Movement in the water trains endurance, muscle strength and coordination. At the same time, hardly any other sport trains the body in such a gentle and pleasant way – this makes swimming suitable for young and old alike. But not only the body benefits, but also the psyche, because swimming increases well-being and reduces stress. We took a closer look at the advantages of the popular sport.
Swimming trains all muscles
The density of the element water is about a thousand times that of air. That’s why we have to perform every movement in the water against a much stronger resistance than on land – and this makes swimming an enormously effective sport. The movement in the water promotes the muscles from head to toe, because in order for our limbs to be able to function in a coordinated manner, the muscles in the torso must also work hard in addition to the arms and legs.
Swimming is easy on the joints
Water has another property that makes swimming so attractive: the buoyancy of the wet element relieves the entire body. In the water we are only one seventh as heavy as on land, so the stress on the joints is many times lower. Swimming is therefore particularly suitable for people who suffer from joint problems or are overweight. In addition to the joints, tendons, ligaments and cartilage also experience relief.
Swimming is good for the back
Swimming is also an ideal sport for everyone who suffers from back pain: On the one hand, regular swimming training builds up holistically supporting muscles that prevent postural damage. On the other hand, the intervertebral discs are relieved by the buoyancy. Since movement in the water can also relieve tension in the neck, shoulders and back, swimming is ideal for anyone who spends a lot of time sitting. Watch out when you swim breaststroke: For back-friendly training, you have to take your head underwater with every stroke! If the head remains above the water surface, this leads to a hyperextension of the cervical spine and a hollow back, which can lead to back problems.
Swimming strengthens the heart
In general, exercise is one of the most important preventive measures against heart disease and its associated risks. Swimming also has a positive effect on heart health. As an endurance sport, it strengthens the heart muscle and improves blood circulation. It is especially important for untrained people not to overstrain themselves, but to adjust the intensity to their personal level. People who suffer from heart failure should be careful, as the water pressure puts additional strain on the heart. Those affected should therefore definitely speak to their doctor before entering the pool.
Swimming improves breathing
In the water we breathe against the pressure that the water exerts on our chest. By continuing to maintain our steady rhythm of inhalation and exhalation, we strengthen the breathing muscles between the ribs and around the diaphragm. The changed breathing situation in the water also has a positive effect on the lung volume. Asthmatics, for example, can benefit from these effects. However, it is also true for them that the doctor should first be consulted before they start swimming training.
Swimming helps you lose weight
Regular swimming can also be particularly effective in helping you lose weight. The calorie consumption in the water is particularly high for two reasons: Firstly, the body needs energy to keep the body temperature stable in the (cooler) water. And secondly, the organism consumes an extra portion of calories by fighting against the water resistance. Scientists have shown in a study that swimming helps you lose weight even more than walking.¹
Swimming relieves stress
Last but not least, swimming is a real booster for a good mood, because if you swim your lengths evenly, you can switch off wonderfully and leave the stress of everyday life behind. After training you feel fresh and pleasantly exhausted. This can improve sleep and promote overall recovery.