Although swimming is one of the best sports in the world, most people do not know how to swim. Swimming is an exercise for people of all ages, and it has numerous fitness benefits. A 400-pound man can find mobility in water. A pregnant woman can ease back pain while swimming. Almost everyone can benefit from swimming. Although it is recommended that you should begin your swimming lessons at an early age, it is never too late to start swimming. Here are four benefits to investing in swimming lessons.
- Builds Strength. Although it is evident that water is thicker than air, many people do not know what that means when it comes to fitness. Swimming involves moving against the water’s resistance. Swimming for a mile in the water takes much longer to complete than jogging for a mile on land. Swimming is more difficult due to the resistance that water provides. As you move against the water, your muscles grow stronger. As you try to improve your swimming ability, your muscles develop.
- Joints. Aquatic exercises are good for the bones. The low-to-no-impact and non-weight-bearing activities allow the injured, pregnant, and those with joint pains to move in water. These factors also allow swimming to be accessible to people who might not be able to jog or lift weights. Swimming carries a low risk of injury since it involves minimal joint strains. While you are likely to stumble on some rock will running or pull a muscle while playing football, you are unlikely to experience any sport-related injury while swimming.
- Flexibility. Flexibility is one of the most ignored factors in fitness. Flexibility becomes essential as you age since it determines your mobility, balance, and coordination. Due to the unique environment that water provides, swimming is a perfect way to improve flexibility. The buoyancy in water enables you to move in ways that are impossible on land. For example, you can be able to do a flip turn in the water, but not many people can perform a similar flip on land. Water allows you to gradually improve your flexibility and acquire motion. However, if you want to enhance your flexibility, t is recommended that you practice in warm water. Your muscles will be more pliable in warm water compared to cold water.
- Calories. Water exercise is a calorie-torching activity and can lead to weight loss. According to research, a 150-pound individual can burn about 300 calories while swimming for 30 minutes. Studies confirm that having a 12-minute jog can consume a similar amount of calories. Even though swimming can burn calories at a similar rate to land activities, it often feels easy to swim than to jog. This feeling is due to the natural cooling effect of water. You will not feel hot or sweaty while swimming, plus it is enjoyable.
Do not be afraid to get started with aquatic fitness regardless of your age. Look for private swimming lessons, and you will not regret your decision.
