Swim Your Way to Better Health

It’s been proven time and time again that swimming is one of the best forms of exercise you can do. It is the second most popular sport in the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Not only is it good for your health, it’s a full body exercise that’s easy on the joints and fun to get involved in.

The more body parts you involve in a work out, the more calories you’ll burn. Swimming can burn anywhere from 550-600 calories in one hour depending on how efficiently you swim. Spend 30 minutes doing the breaststroke and you’ll burn almost 400 calories.

The Benefits of Swimming

A pool might not be the first place you think of going to when you’re looking to get in shape up and slim down, but it should be. Swimming is one of the only workouts you can do where you’ll burn calories, boost your metabolism and firm every muscle in your body without putting stress on your joints. Your joints are fully supported so you don’t have to worry about high-impact injuries. Swimming is a no-impact sport. Meaning there is minimal wear or trauma to weight-bearing joints. It’s extremely beneficial for those with arthritis and other joint diseases because the water has a gentle, soothing effect on the body.

Great for People with Mobility Issues

Swimming is also great for people who want to keep exercising after they’ve been injured or are pregnant or overweight. If you’re new to swimming, consider taking a lesson or two from a qualified swimming instructor. If swimming doesn’t interest you but you enjoy splashing around in the water, consider taking a water aerobics class or try water running. Both are actually pretty tough workouts because the water provides resistance.

It improves the body’s use of oxygen and increases lung function. It’s also a great low impact exercise for those who don’t like the effects of jogging on their knees, because while in water you are non-weight bearing.

The Psychological Benefits

Swimming has psychological benefits, it can reduce stress by allowing you to relax and temporarily let your mind drift from all its worries. Swimming can also be a form of meditative exercise, allowing you to focus on the sound of your own breath and every arm movement you make. It’s been proven to give you more confidence, a better attitude and more motivation. An early morning or late evening swim can do wonders for you and your well-being. Even cooling down even after a great gym workout can relieve tight and tired muscles and help you relax – making for a good nights’ sleep.

Below are three different levels to consider:

1. Learning swimmers
Swimming is a skill that can save your child’s life. Every child should learn to swim with a professional instructor, which will reduce the risk of drowning and open the door to a world of water and fitness activities.

2. Competitive swimmers
Clubs give swimmers their very first swim team experience and train current and future Olympians.

3. Fitness swimmers
You will get fit and improve your overall health and wellness, whether you are 18 or 81. Fitness swimming is an easy way to keep fit. The inherent nature of swimming makes it a gentle and comfortable activity for any age group. Unlike other types of exercises, your body is not placed under stress or tension while swimming.

We Can Help

There are many ways to optimize your brain and your mind. You CAN create a brain healthy life by learning how to love and care for your brain, and by focusing on what you love about your life. If you, or someone you love, could benefit from an evaluation at Amen Clinics, call our Care Coordinators today at 888-288-9834 or tell us more online.