10 Health Benefits Of Swimming

Without a doubt, the health benefits of swimming are varied. This is because swimming involves, above all, the use of several parts of the body at the same time, in addition to coordination, effort, speed and other factors.

When swimming, each of the muscle groups move in a coordinated manner, in addition to improving endurance. Today we will discover some of its health benefits that you will be interested in knowing.

Health benefits of swimming

As the guide prepared by the National Institute for Older Adults points out, swimming can improve the quality of life. Next, we will discover why this is so and the benefits it brings not only to older people, but also to younger people.

1. Slows the aging process

The first of the benefits of swimming is that it helps delay aging. That is, this does not mean that it does not occur, but that it will prevent the problems associated with it from taking time to appear; as well certified by a research developed in 2019 by the National University of Physical Education and Sport of Ukraine.

Swimming will help you feel younger for longer; preventing mobility, flexibility and bone problems from manifesting earlier.

2. Helps increase motor capacity, one of the benefits of swimming

Thanks to the type of activity that has to be done when swimming, the body is more alert. This increases the motor capacity. In addition, it involves coordinating both the limbs and breathing. And it helps to have a better balance with a faster and more efficient reaction time.

3. Improves memory

Another benefit of swimming is that it improves memory. This is because the breathing exercises that are put into practice help to oxygenate the brain.

In addition, as a study published in 2019 by the Life Sciences Journal explains , motor coordination favors the brain having to create “new neural bonds”.

4. Burns calories

Being a complete exercise, swimming is one of the best options to burn more calories. Of course, this is because the water causes the extremities to have to work harder to move. This means that the muscles work five to six times more than when you run, for example. Which makes this exercise an excellent method to alleviate and prevent obesity.

5. Makes the body more resistant

The fifth of the benefits of swimming is that it offers more resistance because, on the one hand, it helps to develop lung capacity to achieve greater anaerobic resistance capacity. On the other hand, swimming also has an impact on strengthening bones.

6. Gives more flexibility

You will gain elasticity and flexibility. Thanks to the fact that you use your limbs to practice it, swimming allows for greater mobility; exercising the joints.

As a result, more flexibility is gained while increasing the range of motion in turn.

7. Promotes the proper functioning of the cardiorespiratory system

When swimming you need to perform breathing exercises that could have a positive effect on the body. This has been believed to lead to increased lung capacity and oxygen to the brain; so it helps the cardiorespiratory system to function properly.

However, with the passage of time the specialists in the area are not so clear that this is the case. Since contact with chlorine could be harmful for people with asthma. Therefore, in view of the current information, it is better to consult with the doctor and keep waiting for further research on the matter.

8. Relieve back pain, one of the benefits of swimming

Currently, there are specialists who recommend hydrotherapy to alleviate certain conditions. Above all, those that are related to muscle aches.

Along these lines, one of the areas most benefited in this regard is the back: swimming, according to a study carried out by specialist Victoria Pennick,  can reduce pain and increase flexibility. Likewise, it is also used as a form of support in therapies for people with motor problems.

9. Improves circulation

Swimming also has benefits for the circulatory system.

Therefore, it is a perfect exercise for those who suffer from circulatory problems. In this sense, it allows you to be more agile and tone that part of the body.

10. Relax

It is a relaxing activity or exercise. When you swim, the muscles make an effort and end up tense. Ultimately, this process causes the same muscles to relax and rest; giving a feeling of lightness and well-being.

Take advantage of the benefits of swimming to take care of yourself

The benefits of swimming, as you have seen, are numerous.

If you want to take advantage of them, start practicing this fun activity. Swimming  is one of the most complete exercises you can do.