Add Swimming To Your Workout

Swimming for Fitness This Summer

Swimming is said to be one of the best forms of aerobic exercise. The stress on your joints is minimal, because you’re held up by the water. And you use your whole body when you’re swimming. 

Are you thinking of getting into swimming as a form of fitness this summer? Here are some ideas about the types of swimming, and the benefits associated with swimming for fitness.

Types of Swimming

To avoid the possible boredom that can arise when you do the same stroke from one end of the pool to the other, try varying your routine. Here are some ideas.

* Use a kickboard or float board once in a while. Hang onto it and kick your way from one end of the pool to the other.

* Change strokes within the session or do a different stroke each session. 

* Consider water aerobics as a way to get fit in addition to swimming. 

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Benefits of Swimming

Exercising in water primarily works joints, soft tissue, and muscles. It’s not a form of exercise that is intended to strengthen bone – for that, you need to engage in weight-bearing exercise. But swimming offers a great many benefits, such as the following.

* Swimming offers a whole-body workout – nearly every muscle group is engaged. And just moving in water requires your muscles to work harder than making that same movement in the air. 

* Cardiovascular health is purported to be greatly enhanced by swimming. Sources point out that the continual use of your muscles helps keep your heart rate up. After all, even if you’re not actively swimming, your muscles are engaged in treading water and staying upright. 

* If you are overweight, swimming can help you perform motions and movements that might be difficult on “land.” And speaking of being overweight…

* Swimming may just help you lose weight, especially if you combine it with a healthy diet and more active lifestyle. Depending on your body weight and the swimming stroke you use, you can burn anywhere from 400 to 1000 calories in an hour.

* One of the big benefits of swimming is that it is easy on the joints. If you suffer from arthritis or any form of joint pain, swimming can help you work those joints (and the rest of your body) without impact. 

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Tips

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your swimming for fitness this summer.

* Bring a friend to help you stay motivated. See if you can get someone to join you for your regular trips to the pool. 

* Safety is always important. Make sure you don’t get overheated if the water is warm, and if you feel very winded or uncomfortable, stop swimming and rest until you feel okay. 

* If you are concerned about the effects of chlorine and other pool chemicals on your hair or eyes, wear a swimming cap and/or goggles. If you are concerned about inhaling chlorine vapors, choose an outdoor pool.

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