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Swimming is one of the best exercises for people of all ages and most health conditions. Whether you prefer to get your laps in a pool, the bay, or the ocean, here are 5 reasons to add swimming into your daily or weekly routine.
It’s a Great Workout for the Entire Body
With swimming there’s no need to do targeted exercises to make sure you hit all of your muscle groups. Swimming is one of the few exercises that will tone and tighten you from head to toe. Not only does it give your muscles an incredible workout, but it builds endurance and can improve your lung capacity. Swimming also increases endorphins, reducing stress and producing hormones that make you happier. It’s a highly effective way to boost your physical and mental health.
It Can Help You Lose Weight
If you’re looking for a way to lose weight any kind of exercise can fit the bill, but swimming especially so. According to a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), middle-aged women who swam for 60 minutes three times a week lost a significant amount of body fat in just 12 weeks and lowered their cholesterol levels.
It’s Gentle on the Joints
Swimming is one of few exercises that those with arthritis or joint issues can perform with minimal impact. Water provides a buoyancy that protects the bones and joints when exercising. This buoyancy also allows you to workout harder in the water without feeling like you’re exerting as much effort as you do on land.
It’s Budget-Friendly
Swimming doesn’t require a lot of expensive equipment, fancy shoes, or any other special apparatus. You just need to access to a pool or open water. Some people prefer to swim with goggles or ear plugs, but these are very budget-friendly items that you can find at any drugstore.
It’s a Safe Exercise for All Ages
From young children to the elderly, swimming is a safe and fun activity for everyone. Be sure to follow Red Cross safety guidelines for swimming and always swim with someone nearby, only in designated areas, and only when a lifeguard is present. Children should never swim without an adult present.
Whether you want to splash around in the water just to cool off from the summer heat or you want to get a complete full-body workout, swimming is the perfect exercise for all fitness levels and all fitness goals.
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This article provides information on general health and health-related subjects. The information and other content provided by this article, or in any linked references, is not intended as a substitute for professional medical expertise and should not be used to replace the advice of your own healthcare provider.
If you or any other person under your care has a medical concern, consult with your health care provider or seek professional medical treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking treatment because of something read in this article or in any linked materials.
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