You already know diet and exercise are critical components to living your best life. But, did you know exactly HOW beneficial swimming can be?
Seriously, swimming is hands-down one of the best exercises for your entire body and it’s all rolled into one!

Here are 10 Great Reasons to Swim Every Day!

1. Your entire body gets a thorough workout…. head to toe!

Your heart gets a great workout, but your body isn’t as stressed as say, running or climbing. Muscles increase their tone while your body builds overall strength and endurance. As you begin to get more comfortable with your swimming routine, vary the strokes and kicks you use to work different muscle groups. Then, learn new techniques so your routine doesn’t become boring. No matter what stroke or kick pattern you use, you’ll be engaging almost every muscle to move your body through the resistance of the water. Yeah, you’re going to feel it!

2. Not only do your muscles get a great workout, your cardiovascular system gets a workout too!

As you move your body through the water, your heart and lungs work harder to send oxygen to your muscles. Over time your lung capacity and stamina increase. You’ll notice your effort becomes more efficient and you can take more strokes per breath. Your heart also strengthens bringing a rich blood flow to your extremities and you’ll notice the strokes taking less effort!  This can help to lower your blood pressure and control your blood sugar!

3. It’s a lower impact exercise for people with physical issues such as Arthritis, MS, Fibromyalgia, and more.

The human body is buoyant in water which relieves pressure on joints allowing for freer movement.  For people with physically disabling conditions and illnesses, maintaining movement helps cope with pain and stiffness. For people without these specific issues, swimming can help you remain active longer and stave off the effects of aging on your body. However, before committing to any exercise program, consult your doctor for professional advice.

4. Swimming can be a great option for people with asthma!  

While not a treatment for asthma, swimming can improve lung fitness which may result in fewer flareups. With asthma and other lung inhibiting conditions, working the lungs helps to maintain or even increase lung capacity. Even after just a few months, you may notice a decrease in the frequency or severity of airway constriction. Again, before committing to any exercise program, consult your doctor for professional advice. (Follow this link for more info)

5. Your body turns into a calorie burning machine!

Just for comparison, Yoga burns around 185 calories per hour. An elliptical machine helps you burn approximately 370 calories per hour. Walking will burn roughly 320 calories in an hour. Swimming will burn around 425 calories per hour at a moderate level and it increases to around 720 at a higher pace! It’s clear, as a low-impact exercise, swimming is an efficient calorie burner!

6. Sleep improves!

Johns Hopkins Medicine reports that people who exercise regularly have fewer sleep disturbances, fewer episodes of insomnia, can fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Sleep is important to overall health. Other studies have also shown that lack of sleep or poor sleeping patterns can negatively affect brain function and make it difficult to lose weight.

7. Helps you manage stress more effectively.

Swimming works skeletal muscles. When stressed, skeletal muscles tense because our bodies go into the fight or flight mode. After a swim these muscles relax, returning to a normal, more rested state. Additionally, while swimming the mind is engaged to concentrate on rhythmic breathing and movement. This is very similar to a meditative session which focuses your mind and helps release endorphins and serotonin for a natural calming effect.

8. Anyone can swim!

There is no age restriction on swimming! Whether you are age 1 or 100, you can enjoy the fun and benefits of swimming. Get in and join the fun! There’s no excuse…really.

9. You can swim during pregnancy!

Moderate exercise during pregnancy is good for mom and for the baby. And, most expectant mothers can swim during their entire pregnancy. Swimming can help keep muscles strong and toned for labor and delivery. Again, before committing to any exercise program, consult your doctor for professional advice.

10. It’s affordable!

Ok, yes…after installation costs, your backyard pool provides an affordable way to reap incredible health benefits. All you have to do is walk out your back door, step in and begin your health journey! You’ll discover a great way to lose weight, improve your health, have fun and enjoy a better YOU!

C’mon, just do it!

Now you know… swimming improves your overall health, mental outlook and, physical condition! Swim every day and you’ll be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound…. well, maybe not quite but, you’ll feel like you could! At the very least, you’ll be the Hero of your own Health Story!

Here’s to Your Health! Happy Swimming!