Why you should swim your way to health and fitness
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by: Glenn J Tucker
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Word Count: 529
Date: Thu, 4 Aug 2011 Time: 10:56 AM
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Swimming is perhaps the first fitness activity we experience from a young age, and with some encouragement and classes, it can be a healthy exercise we can continue for a lifetime. Swimming is a great way of developing cardiovascular strength and it works every muscle in the body if you do a variety of strokes.
As well as developing general strength, fitness and endurance, swimming can also be a good exercise for those with joint problems or those who are overweight, as the water bares your weight.
Health benefits to swimming cannot be underestimated. Your heart and lungs will be kept healthy, and there is very little risk of injury as with other forms of exercise. If you have a problem knee or ankle, swimming can help to strengthen this joint, and allow you to maintain an exercise regime without pounding the joint with each move.
Regular swimming can help with endurance as well as muscle strength, and can be good for a cool down session after the gym. After a hard gym session, swimming a few laps can help you cool-down, it moves blood through your muscles to help them recover, and it also helps you to relax. Swimming is not only beneficial for your fitness but will help you to de-stress and let your mind wander, you can focus on nothing but the rhythm of your strokes, and this can help your sense of well being.
Swimming leaves many feeling refreshed and ready to go about their day. It is a great activity to do after work too, as it leaves work worries behind, and a clear, relaxed mind for the evening ahead. It is almost a form of meditation, but you will be helping your body at the same time as your mind.
In addition to these factors, swimming can be a very good social outlet. Going swimming with friends or as a family can be rewarding. Chatting while taking a rest in between laps is a favourite past time of many regular swimmers. Another option for a group workout is a water aerobics class, which utilises the resistance of the water to build muscle strength. In-direct benefits of swimming include a sense of time management, self discipline, self worth and goal setting - all of which make swimming a very rewarding experience.
As for calorie burning, swimming burns around 3 calories a mile per pound of bodyweight. So if you weight 150 lbs and it takes you 30 minutes to swim a mile, you will be burning around 900 calories an hour.
Finally, and perhaps the most important factor, but one that is all too often overlooked when it comes to swimming, is the safety element which comes hand in hand with being a strong swimmer. It is vital to teach children to swim from a young age. Parents have far less to worry about on holiday with their children when they know they are strong, capable swimmers. Make swimming a fun, family activity and look into local gym swim classes they could do with their friends, to build up your child's confidence swimming and help ensure it is a healthy activity they carry on with throughout their lives.
About the Author
Glenn Tucker
Esporta Health Club and Gym
About the Author
Esporta health club and gym - Whether you are looking to get fit and lose weight in the gym, relax and unwind with your family, treat yourself to a Spa Day or meet and socialise with like minded people then Esporta have the facilities to match.
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Wed, 11 Jan 2012 at 3:27 AM, by
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