Get Fit for Summer – Get a Pool!

Swimming for Health & Happiness Experts recommend adults get 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week.

1. Works Your Whole Body

One of the biggest benefits of swimming is that it truly works your entire body, head to toe. By simply moving around in the pool water you will see benefits such as;

• • builds endurance
  • increases your heart rate without stressing your body
  • tones muscles
  • builds strength

No matter what stroke you swim (breastroke or backstroke) you’re using most of your muscle groups to move your body through the water. Each focuses on different muscle groups, and the water provides a gentle resistance.

2. Helps Reduce Pain From Injury Or Arthritis

Swimming can be a safe exercise option for people with and pain and injury or arthritis. Swimming may even help reduce some of your pain or improve your recovery from an injury. One study showed that people with osteoarthritis reported significant reductions in joint pain and stiffness, and experienced less physical limitation after engaging in activities like swimming and cycling.

3. Swimming Is Good For People With Asthma.

Pools make swimming a great activity for people with asthma. Not only that, but breathing exercises associated with the sport, like holding your breath, may help you expand your lung capacity and gain control over your breathing. On the other side of the coin, some studies suggest that swimming may increase your risk for asthma because of the chemicals used to treat pools.

4. Swimming Burns Calories.

Swimming is an efficient way to burn calories. A 160-pound person burns approximately 423 calories an hour while swimming laps at a low or moderate pace. That same person may burn up to 715 calories an hour swimming at a more vigorous pace. A 200-pound person doing the same activities would burn between 528 and 892 calories an hour. A 240-pound person might burn between 632 and 1,068.

5. Helps Manage Stress

Researchers surveyed a group of swimmers immediately before and after swimming at a YMCA in New Taipei City, Taiwan. Of 101 people surveyed, 44 reported being mildly depressed and feeling stress related to fast-paced life. After swimming, the number of people who still reported feeling stressed decreased to just eight. Swimming is a potentially powerful way to relieve stress quickly.

6. Follow Pool Etiquette

When entering and exiting the pool, try to avoid actions that would creates waves or otherwise interfere with other swimmers, like jumping. You may also want to keep your nails and fingernails trimmed to avoid accidentally scratching other swimmer. If you need to pass someone in front of you, do so on the left-hand side. Be safe, healthy and happy.

Article Source: Be Healthier & Happier Get a Pool!