The Best Benefits Of Swimming
Swimming is definitely one of the most complete sports out there. It is an aerobic exercise in which two thirds of the body’s muscles are involved. Do you want to discover the best benefits of swimming? Continue reading.
First of all, it is a sport that improves endurance and flexibility. In addition, it can be practiced at any age and regardless of physical condition. Of course, the earlier you start, the lower the risk of injury and the greater the short- and long-term benefits to the body.
The best benefits of swimming
In 2017, a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine pointed out the many benefits of swimming regularly. Next, we share with you the most relevant ones.
1. It would be beneficial for bone health
This sport produces low impact on the bones and joints because, by submerging the body in water, it “weighs less” since it is governed by the principle of buoyancy.
In this way, the body does not receive the impact of asphalt or hard surfaces that it faces when practicing other sports. For this reason, many medical specialists recommend swimming for the recovery of many injuries, especially those that have to do with a joint.
In fact, research published in The Journal of Rheumatology concluded that those with arthritis who swam regularly experienced a significant reduction in joint pain and stiffness.
2. It would improve muscle flexibility
According to data from Harvard Health Publishing , practicing this sport would improve strength, endurance and flexibility. With this, the elasticity would also improve.
When swimming, we use most of the muscle groups, both the legs and the arms. In this way, the joints would be more flexible and the muscles would be toned and strengthened, especially those of the back. For this reason, it would be a useful sport for people who suffer from:
- Hernias.
- Lumbago
- Hip problems.
3. It would reduce the body fat index
This is one of the best benefits of swimming, in fact it is the reason why many people choose to practice this sport. With swimming, it is estimated that between 500 and 600 calories could be burned for every hour of swimming, of course depending on the intensity applied in the practice of the sport.
For this reason, doctors often recommend the inclusion of swimming in the routines of those who start a weight loss program, of course accompanied by a change in eating habits.
4. It would fight chronic diseases
Playing sports in a moderate and constant way is always good for the body. Although there is no specific data on the influence of swimming on cholesterol, it is believed that it would help reduce blood cholesterol levels, while promoting an increase in good cholesterol.
In this regard, an old study from 1993 pointed out that those paraplegic people who practiced swimming for a long period of time managed to improve their levels of good cholesterol and, therefore, reduce the risk of heart disease. However, further research is necessary.
On the other hand, it is believed that swimming, like other low-impact sports, could improve any clinical picture of asthma, diabetes or hypercholesterolemia, and even reduce pain in people with multiple sclerosis. However, the scientific data on this is not conclusive.
5. It would improve cognitive activity
Swimming would also bring neural and cognitive benefits, that is, mental. When we practice this sport, we activate the two cerebral hemispheres and the four lobes of the brain.
This activation appears to lead to increased cognition and some protection against possible stroke, as observed in a long-term study in rats. While the data is promising, we have not found evidence to support such a benefit in humans to date.
6. It would boost the circulatory and respiratory system
Swimming would improve oxygen consumption by up to 10%. According to a comparison of lung capacity with runners, this sport would grant the most extensive improvement.
In addition, it is estimated that the heart could push the blood up to 18% more. This would be evidenced in a better circulation since it would decrease the heart rate. On the other hand, respiratory exercises would imply an increase in cardiorespiratory endurance.
7. Best benefits of swimming: the psychological ones
By immersing ourselves in the water and concentrating on breathing, there would be an immediate effect: the body would relax and the feeling of stress would be reduced. An Australasian Journal on Aging research suggests that it would improve mood and be beneficial for people with severe dementia, it is even believed that symptoms of depression could also improve.
When practicing swimming, as well as other sports, the body releases hormones called endorphins that promote a positive attitude and a general feeling of well-being.
Best benefits of swimming, conclusion
Swimming is a very complete sport discipline that can promote health in many ways. The best? It can be practiced by both children and older adults, as it is an exercise with low physical impact that is also recreational.
Still not practicing this sport? If you find it difficult to be physically active, swimming is a good place to start. From the beginning you will have more vitality and better physical and mental health.
