Swimming is the fourth most popular sports activity in the US for a reason. When purchasing an inground pool, sometimes the recreational benefits of swimming can drown out the vast amount of health benefits.
1. Standing in water can lift up to 90% of your body’s weight from your joints
If you suffer from joint pain, muscle pain, or low flexibility, swimming can ease your pain by using your body’s buoyancy to your advantage. Just a short swim can be enough to give your body relief from all sorts of tension. While water based exercises are reported to be more enjoyable than land based exercises, swimming allows for longer periods of exercise with less joint or muscle pain and a more relaxing experience. (CDC)
2. Swimmers have about half the risk of death compared to inactive individuals
In a study following men from the ages of 20-90 years old, swimmers have been shown to have about half of the mortality rate as inactive people. In this case, swimming may be your fountain of youth.(IJARE)
3. Swimming Slows Down Aging
There’s no fountain of youth, but swimming regularly is a great way to achieve a longer life. The effects of aging can be delayed through swimming by a reduction in blood pressure, an increase in muscle mass, higher levels of oxygen and blood flow to the brain, and increasing cardiovascular health. Swimming can also improve physical strength and balance in older adults. Seniors who suffer from joint pains can start swimming to increase flexibility and to reduce joint inflammation. Lastly, this low-impact sport is easier on the body. (Mullen)
4. Swimming can improve mood and decrease anxiety
For both men and women, swimming can fight depression and improve mood. It helps people who suffer from anxiety as well. Swimming has been shown to be especially beneficial for pregnant women as well as those with chronic disease. Additionally, swimming together has been shown to strengthen family connections. (CDC)
5. Swimming is Good for Asthma
Swimming is great for people who suffer from chronic lung conditions such as asthma. Asthma sufferers, especially those with sports-induced asthma, can experience trouble because the loss of heat and moisture in the bronchial tubes causes the tubes to contract. This happens when the air is dry and/or cold outside. Swimming is the best exercise for asthma patients because the moisture from the water replaces the moisture expelled during vigorous breathing. (Mullen)
6. Every movement becomes a resistance exercise
Water is approximately 750-800 times more dense than air. While you move around the pool, each movement is met with enough resistance to make out of water activity feel effortless in comparison. (Yeager)
7. Reduces the risk of coronary heart disease
In a study involving 46 young adults, swimming was shown to reduce the systematic inflammation that can lead to coronary heart disease and other serious health issues. (Columbia University Medical Center)
8. Swimming Improves Brain Function
As mentioned earlier, swimming can reduce anxiety tremendously, which improves cognitive function in the brain. It also reduces inflammation and swelling in the brain, in turn making it easier for brain cells to regenerate. (Mullen)
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