Swimming is a sport and exercise for all ages. However, swimming has many great and unexpected benefits. It might not be easy to swim, but surely the benefits outweigh the costs. Here are some special benefits you could enjoy after taking a dip in the pool.
Heart Health
By nature, swimming is a cardiovascular exercise. It improves blood circulation and general vitality, lowering the chances of severe heart disease and lowers blood pressure. Having a healthy heart will make everyday tasks of taking the stairs, walking to the kitchen, or picking up your grandchildren, easier. Mobility will improve, and you will be able to keep doing the things you love better.
Mental Health
Scientifically speaking, exercising leads to the release of endorphins in a body system that can improve moods and fight anxiety or depression. Socializing has very much the same effect. Going to a pool for a swim almost guarantees interaction with other swimmers. As such, swimming can potentially improve your mental health.
Lower Fall Risk
Falling is a major risk for older adults. Strengthening the body and improving balance through swimming can help to counteract this. A study in Australia showed that older men who swam regularly had a 33% less chance to fall compared to men doing other exercises. When swimming, one is not on any solid ground and many muscle groups must be engaged to remain afloat and propelled. The body has to create its own stability to compensate, transferring this out of the water, those who swim have better balance.
Improved Flexibility
Swimming helps to improve your agility as well. By engaging the muscles and propelling yourself through water, you weave yourself through resistance. Do this often enough, and you will find that you become nimbler on land as well. Improved agility makes it easier for you to go about your daily activities.
Muscle Strength
Swimming engages many muscle groups. By building on these sets of muscles, you improve overall muscle strength. The wonderful thing about swimming is that different swimming techniques focus on building different sets of muscle groups, so you can choose which part of the body you want to target and work on it.
Help the Joints
If you have stiff joints or joint pain, swimming can help you to overcome it. Every exercise done on land is weight-bearing. It is not like that in the water. Water makes you buoyant and offsets much of your body weight, reducing pressure and strain on the joints. Even those with arthritis can swim with few risks.
At Aston Gardens At Sun City, we plan and lead exercise programs with safe facilities and equipment for our members. We lead many independent living programs to improve overall health and fitness for our members. Contact us or schedule a tour to learn more!
