Benefits Of Swimming
We have always heard that swimming is the complete sport, and it is because it is an aerobic exercise in which two-thirds of the body’s muscles are involved, enhancing strength, endurance and flexibility. In addition, it can remain practised at any age, the risk of injury is lower, and it’s regular practice has benefits for the body in the medium and long term. The best thing is that it adapts to different fitness levels, ideal for those who are just starting and a complete exercise for regular athletes, either in the pool or open water.
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Let’s see some of these benefits:
1. Produces low impact on bones and joints
Submerging our body in water for sports, it “weighs less”, is governed by the principle of buoyancy and does not receive the impact of asphalt or hard surfaces that it faces in other sports. In this way, the joints wear less and better preserved.
2. Greater flexibility and elasticity
When swimming, we use most of the muscle groups in our body, both the upper and lower body and the trunk and head, so the joints are more flexible, and the muscles are toned and strengthened, especially those of the back. That is why it is a highly recommended exercise for those who suffer from hernias, low back pain or hip problems.
3. Burns fat
Benefits Of Swimming In optimal conditions and depending on the intensity at which it remains practised. Swimming can burn between 500 and 600 calories per hour. That remain why it is common for it to stand incorporated into the routines of those who start a weight loss program.
4. Fight chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes or cholesterol
Being an aerobic exercise of low intensity but takes place for more extended periods helps lower blood cholesterol levels. It produces greater insulin sensitivity, lowering blood glucose levels.
5. Improved respiratory system and increased lung capacity
Learning to breathe is the first step to enjoying swimming; with each stroke and with each intake of breath, the respiratory system remains favoured.
6. Neural and cognitive benefits
When swimming, we activate the two cerebral hemispheres and the four lobes of the brain, which seems to lead to greater cognition; in addition, neural links remain produced and greater brain activation that receives more oxygen.
7. Cardiorespiratory benefits
Swimming improves oxygen consumption by up to 10%, and the heart can push the blood up to 18% more. It reverts to better circulation since it decreases the heart rate, while respiratory exercises imply an increase in cardiorespiratory resistance.
8. Psychological benefits
By immersing ourselves in the water and concentrating on breathing. There is an immediate effect: the body relaxes, and the feeling of stress remain reduced; in addition, the symptoms of depression improve.
As we already mentioned in the article on the runner’s euphoria, with the sports practice, endorphins remain released that enhance a positive attitude. The feeling of well-being takes over the athlete, and tensions stay released.
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