With summer right around the corner, taking a dip in the pool is a great way to cool off and relax. Apart from having fun, did you know that there are a lot of added health benefits that come from swimming? It’s true!
In this article, we outline some of the biggest health benefits of swimming regularly to show you how to make the most of your pool this summer.
Read on to learn more!
1. Relieve Stress
The coordination that swimming requires forces your body to concentrate on keeping yourself afloat, allowing you to focus your attention on your body’s movements, instead of what’s on your mind.
In addition, swimming also helps release those lovely mood-boosting hormones called endorphins to provide some added peace of mind.
2. Alleviate Anxiety And Depression
Much for the same reasons swimming alleviates stress, it also works to lessen symptoms of anxiety and depression. Swimming releases feel-good endorphins while you to focus on staying afloat, helping to your mind off of the way you feel.
Swimming can also help you relax by getting you outdoors and even spending quality time with your family in the pool.
However, for you to feel the full extent of these effects, it’s important to ensure that your pool is well-heated to between 78 and 80 degrees. The warmer water will help to release muscle tension and ease pain.
3. Low-Impact Exercise
Low-impact exercises are a great way to get your heart pumping without over-exerting yourself. The ability to perform a variety of low-impact exercises is one of the key health benefits of swimming pools.
The buoyancy of the water in your pool helps to minimize stress on your joints, making it the perfect workout for almost anyone.
For the best results, it is recommended to swim for at least 30 minutes several times a week to improve your cardiovascular health, boost your circulation, build endurance, strengthen your muscles, and tone your entire body.
4. Improve Heart Health
One of our favorite pool health benefits is one that’s close to the heart. Swimming is one of the best exercises get your heart pumping and improve cardiovascular health.
In a pool, you’re able to push yourself harder and faster than on dry land due to the weightlessness provided by the water.
5. Improve Flexibility
Swimming is a great way to gradually increase your flexibility and range of motion. The natural buoyancy of the water combined with added resistance allows you to stretch your joints more comfortably and effectively, allowing you to stretch and strengthen them over time.
6. Burn Calories And Lose Weight
Swimming just one lap in the pool can burn a whopping 476 calories per hour. That’s more than some high-intensity workouts on traditional gym equipment.
The beauty of this health benefit is that you can play around with it to burn even more calories. Try swimming faster or changing up your strokes to work out different muscle groups.
7. Promote Healing
Are you recovering from an injury?
As we mentioned, swimming is a great low-impact way to exercise, meaning it’s perfect for those nursing an injury or suffering from aches and pains.
Again, the natural effect of the buoyancy helps to relieve pressure on your joints, allowing you to stretch and heal in a more comfortable environment. Some even find that the healing process is both quicker and of higher quality.
Pools In New York
If you’re ready to experience all of these pool health benefits and more, browse our wide selection of swimming pools from name brands like Trendium and Vogue.
You can also visit any one of our three New York Gary’s Pool & Leisure showrooms in Amherst, Cheektowaga, and Clarence.
