Swimming: Exercise That's Healthy AND Fun
There’s so much information about the many benefits of swimming that’s it’s hard to sum it all up in one article. But “cheer” up—we’ve developed a way to remember just how good you’re treating yourself each time you make the minimal effort necessary to take another dip in the pool.
C.H.E.E.R.: Circulation Health Exercise Energy Routine
Circulation increases while swimming. Whether floating about,
stroking through a set of laps, doing water aerobics or just playing around in
the pool, swimming is fantastic exercise for your heart and circulatory
system. That’s because the water constantly offers resistance no matter
what the movement you make—movement that elevates your heart rate—all in an
environment of buoyancy so there’s less stress on joints and muscles.
Health benefits of swimming are clear. Swimming
regularly builds endurance, enhances muscle tone and increases cardio-vascular
fitness. What’s more, swimming is an activity in which almost everyone,
regardless of skill level, can participate. That means anyone who owns a
pool (or enjoys a pool) can benefit.
Exercise recommendations. No doubt you’ve heard or
read that a healthy lifestyle should include at least three, half-hour periods
of exercise per week for health, fitness and general well-being. Swimming
regularly allows you to gradually increase the intensity of your workouts at
your own pace. Or if you’re just getting back into an exercise program, a
swimming pool offers you an opportunity to get much-needed exercise while
simply having fun.
Energy to spare for swimmers. A healthy body is a
happy body. A few hours a week in the pool can do wonders for your overall
level of energy. Exercise helps the body produce natural chemicals that
tend to stimulate both body and mind, giving you a natural and generally
harmless way to boost your energy over time.
Routine is anything but for swimmers. The key to
maximizing the benefits of swimming, or any form of exercise, is to develop a
routine for participating in that exercise. What makes swimming so unique
is that your exercises (strokes and activity) in the pool can change session to
session, helping you develop a routine that’s easier to stick to. Swimming
can even become exercise you look forward to and reward yourself with.
Obviously, anyone considering swimming or any other exercise program should
consult with a physician prior to beginning a program. But once
you’ve determined your level of readiness and overall general health, go for
it:
There’s plenty of C.H.E.E.R. waiting for you in your swimming pool!
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