Swimming is categorized as an aerobic exercise because even a few laps take more than 3 minutes and the use of oxygen by the muscles is tremendous. Swimming has its benefits, which include a decrease in blood pressure, which reduces the risk of having a stroke. It reduces your resting heart rate and increases your cardiac input, which results in more blood being pumped by the heart to the rest of the body. It also reduces your resting respiratory rate, increases blood flow to the lungs and helps burn calories. When you’re aerobically fit, your body makes use of oxygen to sustain movement more efficiently.
According to the U.S. Water Fitness Association (USWFA), water exercise offers many physical, social and mental benefits:
- Improved strength and flexibility
- Better muscular endurance and balance (Many professional and amateur athletes cross-train in the water)
- A stronger heart
- Enhanced physique or figure
- Improved circulation
- Rehabilitation therapy for used or healing muscles and recovery from accidents and injuries
- Weight control
- Relief from stress and tension
- Increased energy
If you’re a beginner, start slowly. Try to swim for 10 minutes. Build up to a 30-minute workout, three to five times a week. Include a warm-up and a cool-down, and, in the middle, challenge yourself by working on endurance, stroke efficiency, or speed.
Taking a class is a great way to get back to swimming or start for the first time.
Get that suit out and go for a swim.
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