1. Works your whole body
One of the biggest benefits of swimming is that it truly works your entire body, head to toe. Swimming:
- increases your heart rate without stressing your body
- tones muscles
- builds strength
- builds endurance
There are various strokes you can use to add variety to your swimming workout, including:
- breaststroke
- backstroke
- sidestroke
- butterfly
- freestyle
Each focuses on different muscle groups, and the water provides a gentle resistance. No matter what stroke you swim, you’re using most of your muscle groups to move your body through the water.
2. Works your insides, too
While your muscles are getting a good workout, your cardiovascular system is, too. Swimming makes your heart and lungs strong. Swimming is so good for you that researchers share it may even reduce your risk of death. Compared with inactive people, swimmers have about
3. Is appropriate for people with injuries, arthritis, and other conditions
It is important to have your doctor’s approval before beginning or resuming any exercise program. Swimming can be a safe exercise option for most people with:
- arthritis
- injury
- disability
- other issues that make high-impact exercises difficult
Swimming may even help reduce some of your pain or improve your recovery from an injury. One study showed that people with osteoarthritis reported significant reductions in joint pain and stiffness, and experienced less physical limitation after engaging in activities like swimming and cycling.
Even more interesting, there was little to no difference in the benefits between the two groups. So, swimming seems to have many of the same benefits as frequently prescribed land exercises. If you want non-swimming water activities, try these water excises for people with arthritis.
4. Good option for people with asthma
The humid environment of indoor pools makes swimming a great activity for people with asthma. Not only that, but breathing exercises associated with the sport, like holding your breath,
Some studies suggest that swimming may increase your risk for asthma because of the chemicals used to treat pools. Talk to your doctor about the potential risks of swimming if you have asthma, and, if possible, look for a pool that uses salt water instead of chlorine.
5. Beneficial for people with MS, too
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) may also find swimming beneficial. Water makes the limbs buoyant, helping to support them during exercise. Water also provides a gentle resistance.
In
6. Torches calories
Swimming is an efficient way to burn calories. A 160-pound person burns approximately 423 calories an hour while swimming laps at a low or moderate pace. That same person may burn up to 715 calories an hour swimming at a more vigorous pace. A 200-pound person doing the same activities would burn between 528 and 892 calories an hour. A 240-pound person might burn between 632 and 1,068.
To compare these numbers to other popular low-impact activities, that same 160-pound person would only burn around 314 calories walking at 3.5 miles per hour for 60 minutes. Yoga might burn just 183 calories per hour. And the elliptical trainer might burn just 365 calories in that hour.
7. Improves your sleep
Swimming may have the power to help you sleep better at night. In
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Swimming is accessible to a wide range of people who deal with physical issues that make other exercises, like running, less appealing. That can make swimming a good choice for older adults looking to improve their sleep.
8. Boosts your mood
9. Helps manage stress
Researchers surveyed a group of swimmers immediately before and after swimming at a YMCA in New Taipei City, Taiwan. Of the 101 people surveyed, 44 reported being mildly depressed and feeling stress related to fast-paced life. After swimming, the number of people who still reported feeling stressed decreased to just eight.
While more research needs to be done in this area, the researchers conclude that swimming is a potentially powerful way to relieve stress quickly.
10. Safe during pregnancy
Pregnant women and their babies can also reap some wonderful rewards from swimming. In
Keep in mind that while swimming is generally considered safe during pregnancy, some women may have activity restrictions due to complications in pregnancy. Talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise programs during pregnancy, and if you have complications, ask about activities that are safe.
11. Great for kids, too
Kids need a minimum of
Your child can do either structured swimming lessons or be part of a swim team. Unstructured swim time is another solid option to get kids moving.
12. Affordable
Swimming may also be an affordable exercise option compared to some others, like cycling. Many pools offer reasonable rates to join. Some public schools and other centers offer swim hours for free, or for a sliding scale according to your income.
If you’re still concerned about the costs of joining a pool, check with your employer or your health insurance. Some offer reimbursem*nts for joining a fitness program.
To get started with swimming, you’ll first need to find a pool near you. Many gyms and community centers offer lap swimming times as well as water aerobics and aqua-jogging classes. You may want to make a list of the facilities in your area that have a pool, and visit to see which one works for your lifestyle and budget.
Prepare your muscles
From there, start slow. You may even want to start your journey in the gym with strength training that works your muscles before you hit the water. Try moves like assisted or unassisted pull-ups, up to double-digit reps. Squats and deadlifts of your bodyweight or overhead presses of half your bodyweight are also good practice. If you’re having trouble, consider asking a personal trainer for help with form.
Swim lessons
People totally new to swimming may benefit from taking swimming lessons, which are offered in private or group settings. In lessons, you’ll learn different strokes, breathing techniques, and other handy tips for getting the most from your workout.
To find adult swimming lessons near you, try checking the U.S. Masters Swimming database by your ZIP code.
Follow the pool rules
Once you’re in the water, be sure to observe pool etiquette. There are often slow, medium, and fast lanes. Ask the lifeguard which lane is which to find your right pace.
If you need to pass someone in front of you, do so on the left-hand side. When entering and exiting the pool, try to avoid actions that would creates waves or otherwise interfere with other swimmers, like jumping. You may also want to keep your nails and fingernails trimmed to avoid accidentally scratching other swimmers.
Swimming is safe for most people. As with any workout, there are certain risks associated with swimming. If you’re injured or have certain medical conditions, be sure to check with your doctor before swimming laps. In general, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor whenever you start a new exercise program.
People with skin conditions like psoriasis, for example, may get more irritated in the chlorinated pool water. Your doctor is your best resource for guidelines unique to your health.
The following swim safety tips can help reduce your risk from swimming:
- Swim in areas that are designated for swimming, like pools and roped off sections of lakes and other bodies of water. If possible, swim in areas that are supervised by lifeguards.
- If you aren’t swimming with lifeguard supervision, bring a buddy.
- Consider taking swimming lessons if you’re new to the sport. You can enroll in age-appropriate classes through the Red Cross and through other programs in your area.
- Swimming outdoors? Wear sunscreen of at least SPF 15 or higher to protect your skin. You may also want to avoid swimming between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is highest in the sky. Learn more about choosing sunscreen.
- Don’t forget to drink water, even if you aren’t thirsty. You may feel cool from the water, but you can get dehydrated while swimming. Drink plenty of water and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them.
- Children should always be supervised when near water. Never let children swim alone to avoid the risk of drowning.
If you’re just getting started with an exercise program or if you’re looking to try something new, jump in the pool. Swimming has a host of benefits for your mind, body, and soul.
Once you get the basics down, try swimming laps for 20 to 40 minutes at a pace that keeps your heart rate elevated. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water and take breaks as necessary. Most of all, have fun!
