The heat is no longer an excuse for not doing sports if you have a pool at home. Swimming and running are equivalent exercises, so we want to tell you a series of benefits that will surely make you put on your swimsuit and do a few lengths a week to feel much better.
It is an exercise that anyone can practice at their own pace: You can swim fast, slowly, perfecting the technique or just moving forward and staying afloat. This allows any uninitiated person regardless of age or physical condition to take advantage of the great benefits it has for the body without running the risk of injury, since swimming does not affect the joints as other exercises do.
It is rejuvenating: As it is a cardiovascular exercise, it helps to improve lung capacity and muscle toning, so you will feel younger inside and out.
Good for injuries: Swimming is one of the top 3 exercises recommended by doctors for recovering from and preventing back pain. By strengthening the back muscles, it prevents bad posture. It is also good for the joints, since we make use of the tendons and ligaments in each stroke. In addition, unlike running, it is a low-impact exercise because it does not damage the joints as the body remains floating.
Improve your breathing. Swimming is an exercise that strengthens the muscles that control breathing, so it will improve your lung capacity and reduce pressure on the lungs, heart and other organs. If you suffer from asthma, swimming is a very suitable sport.
Helps you lose weight. The calories you lose by swimming depend largely on your speed, swimming style and weight. For example, you can burn up to 600 calories an hour if you weigh 130 kilos. Swimming is one of the most complete sports. Unlike running, swimming also exercises your upper body and helps you build muscle mass.
Helps drain retained fluids: In summer we retain a lot of fluid due to an evolutionary response of the body to the increased need for water. Swimming activates circulation, on the one hand due to the friction of the cold water on the legs and on the other hand due to the alternation of muscular contractions and decontractions. Swimming is an incredible remedy for those who suffer from tired legs.
It reduces stress. Doing sports is very beneficial for the mind, since after exercise endorphins, the hormones of pleasure, are released. In addition, releasing energy during exercise reduces stress, since during that time you do not think about anything else and it is a good way to escape from problems. Specifically, studies say that it improves mood.
Like all good habits, it is difficult to start, but the will in the first weeks will make you acquire the habit. With a few minutes of daily effort you will feel happier and, in addition, in the medium term you will see how your body is more toned and slender.