Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Drive Past a Swimming Pool Today

Picture this scenario; you’re currently vacationing on a magnificent cruise in the Atlantic and enjoying a splendid glass of champagne whilst the sun sets on the horizon. As the ‘90s classic song goes, you are truly ‘set adrift on memory bliss’.

Suddenly, the captain comes out of the control room panic-stricken, shouting that all the passengers have to jump out and swim to the nearest emergency rescue ship that’s about a mile away because the ship is sinking super-fast after hitting umm…a boulder.

Quickly, you dive into the water only to realize one simple thing.

You should never have missed Mrs. Doubtfire’s swimming classes!

The Importance of Swimming

One of the most essential indoor sports is swimming. Apart from giving you an advantage in a seafaring catastrophe (as mentioned earlier) swimming comes with a myriad of health benefits.

Keeping this in mind, here are some of the uber-healthy treats you get from hitting the water on a regular basis.

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Swimming is a great way to keep fit and healthy on a regular basis

It’s both strength training and cardio

What’s the simple rule in swimming? If you’re not moving, then you’re going to sink! This superb condition enables you to keep moving, which translates to cardio.

Moreover, the fact that water is 800 times denser than air puts your muscles in a condition of constant resistance. Which inevitably leads to their strengthening.

So if you don’t feel like going to the gym today, but still want to get your full body workout, simply begin swimming today!

It’s a Low Impact Exercise

This is especially beneficial for an injured athlete, a sickly individual, or an old person who is looking to get a great workout without aggravating their current condition. Not only does swimming take it easy on the joints, but it also makes it easier for you to get in a good workout without inadvertently wearing or tearing at your body.

It’s Awesome for Your Lungs

When your face is deep in water, getting oxygen isn’t going to be easy. The more you swim, the more your body becomes adapted to using its oxygen levels effectively.

Additionally, the presence of water makes your body more accustomed to taking in greater volumes of oxygen with every breath, and expelling greater volumes of carbon dioxide per exhalation.

In fact, a study conducted by the Indian Journal of Physiology discovered that swimmers had a greater amount of tidal volume in comparison to runners! Which then introduces our next benefit.

You Become a Better Runner

Do you feel like those 4 am morning runs are taking a toll on you? Simply becoming an avid swimmer and see all that change. In fact, swimming has been known to increase one’s endurance capacity.

So if you’re looking to sign up for the next Boston marathon, you should probably hit the pool for a couple of months prior to the event.

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Regardless of age, any person can enjoy the full benefits of a regular swim

It’s Great for Everyone

It doesn’t matter if you’re a patient, recovering from an injury, or are even pregnant, swimming gives everyone a great workout. Nevertheless, depending on your age, you should manage the intensity and pace of each of your sessions.

It Relieves You from Stress

If you are having a stressful day, then a one hour swim can do miracles for you. In fact, exercising during swimming induces endorphins which are vital in the management of your mood and stress levels.

In fact, being in water automatically dulls all the sensory information that could be bombarding your body, resulting in an inherent calmness.

It Reverses the Clock

According to science, regular swimmers are 20 years younger (in terms of biology that is) than the number on their identification card until their 70^th birthday!

Yes, that’s right.

Swimming improves your blood chemistry, muscle mass, cognitive functioning, central nervous system health, cardiovascular performance, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure.

This leads to a younger, more vibrant you!

It Improves Your Brain Functioning

When you swim on a regular basis, blood flow to the brain increases by 14 percent due to the consistent submergence in water up to the heart.

Some researchers believe that this is due to the pressure on the chest cavity by water, which in turn means more blood being redirected to the brain. More blood to the brain means that it is well-nourished and can perform at its optimum.