Any form of exercise has benefits, but swimming is special. From stress reduction to potentially longer life, swimming with lifeguard course can help you long after you've gotten out of the pool. Let's dive right in.
1. It's a full-body workout
When you jump into the pool, everything starts to go. It may seem like your legs and arms do most of the work, but that's not the case. Swimming strengthens your core, increases your heart rate, and activates almost every muscle in your back.
It's hard to work all of these muscle groups without doing a 2-hour gym session. When you swim, you burn your entire body in just 20 minutes.
2. It's easy on your joints
With most forms of exercise, you have two options: high intensity but hard on the joints, or low intensity and easy on the joints. With swimming, you get the best of both worlds. Game changer.
Swimming is a great workout for those new to Fit Life. According to the American Council on Exercise, buoyancy reduces body weight by 90 percent. That means your joints only have to deal with 10 percent of their usual weight load, which can dramatically reduce the chance of injury.
3. It can improve the symptoms of arthritis
If you are living with arthritis, many forms of exercise can be difficult, but swimming is not one of them. Some research suggests that swimming may even decrease pain and stiffness caused by arthritis.
You can choose a high-intensity swim workout to really get your heart rate up, or choose a relaxed routine if that's your vibe. Either way, it won't aggravate arthritis and will help your overall health.
4. It's great for any age or skill level.
If you have trouble walking due to injury or a chronic condition, swimming is one of the best ways to exercise. Swimming is so easy on the body that people of any age or skill level can do it.
Even if you can't swim laps, that's okay! Water aerobics classes (also known as water aerobics) gently build muscles and get your heart pumping without putting too much pressure on your body. If group classes aren't your thing, a few minutes of self-paced swimming engages your whole body and gets the blood flowing.
Bonus: you can feel like a mermaid. Taking 10,000 steps doesn't get you living out your Ariel fantasy, but 10 minutes in the pool does.
5. Pregnant? No problem!
No one expects you to break any Olympic records while your Eggo is pregnant. But you should stay physically active during your pregnancy if possible. Swimming is one of the safest ways to exercise during pregnancy. It can also help with common pregnancy symptoms like back pain and joint swelling.
A 2010 study found that women who swam while pregnant were slightly less likely to have a preterm birth. And don't worry about the chemicals—the same study found that chlorine (and other pool chemicals) had no effect on babies or pregnant women.
.png)
6. People with asthma can breathe easy
For people who are worried about breathing, a large body of water may not seem like a great option. But swimming is ideal for people with asthma.
A 2012 study found that swimmers had higher lung capacity and better breath control than runners. This does not mean that swimming cures asthma, but it can help build strength and lung capacity.
A word of caution: A 2010 review found that chlorine might make asthma a bit worse. While this review isn't conclusive, it's a good idea to exercise caution when beginning your swimming routine. Use a saltwater pool if possible, and talk to a doctor if you're concerned about chlorine.
7. You will notice a happier mind
In general, exercise helps relieve anxiety and depression, and that includes swimming.
A small 1992 study found that people who swam regularly felt less anger, tension, confusion, and depression. And a 2014 animal study found that swimming had antidepressant effects.
Reminder: swimming is not a panacea
Talk to a professional if you have symptoms of depression or anxiety. Swimming could be a great addition to the suggested treatments.
8. Swimming regulates blood sugar
Limiting sugar intake is the best way to balance your blood sugar level. But swimming with lifeguards certification can help!
A 2016 study found that high-intensity swimming three times a week increased insulin sensitivity and balanced blood glucose. This can reduce your risk of diabetes. And if you have diabetes, swimming can help you control your blood sugar.
Your fingers don't have to be pruned to get the best blood glucose results. Using HIIT intervals for a total of 30 minutes was found to be more effective than low-intensity swimming for an hour.
9. May Lower Risk of Heart Disease
Carotid Artery Stiffness: If you're thinking what the heck is that, you're not alone. But it is very important! Carotid artery stiffness refers to the stiffness of the walls of the heart. Rigid walls mean a higher risk of heart disease, and flexible walls mean a lower risk.
One study found that people with a regular swimming routine lost weight and decreased carotid artery stiffness, lowered blood pressure, and increased blood flow to the brain. All these benefits reduce the risk of heart disease.
10. Burn calories
Since your entire body is working, it's no surprise that swimming is a true calorie burner. Swimming burns the same amount of calories as jogging (with no stress on the joints). And that is if you are swimming at a relaxed pace!
Must Read: How many calories can I burn?