The Benefits of Swimming as an Exercise. by Guven Paternoster
We usually find that most people participate in an exercise regime to lose weight and improve their fitness. As you could imagine there are so many different exercises you could participate in from running, cycling, aerobics and working out in the gym. All these exercises have different benefits to different parts of our body and as a result we will usually participate in a few different exercises too be able to exercise the whole body. However there is one exercise which is considered to be a whole body workout. Swimming.
The benefits of swimming are plenty. It is one of the best cardiovascular exercises that can be performed to stay fit. Swimming is also one of only a few exercises which work out all muscle groups in your body and increases and improves one’s heart condition, flexibility, posture, muscle strength and endurance levels and aids in weight loss.
In addition to these are the following benefits of swimming regularly is your choice of exercise;
* Due to the buoyancy of water, the human body weighs 70-80% less and as a result much less stress is applied to your joints and bones. For this reason alone, swimming is considered to be the best rehabilitation exercise from the recovery of an injury.
* Swimming requires the use of all major and minor muscle groups to propel us through the water. It is one of only a select few exercises which work out the whole body with far less stress on the body compared to land based exercises such as running.
* Due to the fact that swimming is an exercise which requires us to spend time on our own, some swimmers find it an activity which calms the mind. Swimming is a great way to escape the rigors of a busy work schedule and a perfect exercise to unwind.
* Swimming is also a great exercise for expecting mothers. Due to the average 8-10 kg weight gain during pregnancy, the muscles and posture are severely overworked and swimming can help temporarily alleviate these added burdens. There are many prenatal swimming classes for expecting mothers who can improve their fitness in readiness for childbirth.
* Swimming is also an exercise which burns calories, around 3 calories per pound per minute. As a result swimming in conjunction with a healthy diet is a great method to beating the bulge. Work out your own calories burned by using swimtoslim’s own calorie calculator.
* Swimming as an exercise has no age limits. Children as young as 4yrs old to the elders of our society can participate in swimming without feeling out of place. There are not many exercises which can lay claim to being ageless.
As exercises go, swimming is definitely one of the most popular forms of physical activity and this is another reason as to the benefits of swimming. Why would so many people willingly participate in an exercise that was not good for you. Keep swimming, keep healthy and keep smiling.
About the Author
Guven has been heavily involved in health and fitness for the past 25 years and is more than happy to share his vast experience in the field of weight loss, getting fit and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you are interested in more weight loss and fitness tips, check out his personal website, http://www.swimtoslim.com.
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