The health benefits of swimming are unquestionable. This type of exercise is known to be good for heart health. Not only that, there are many other benefits that you can get by swimming regularly.
Swimming is one type of cardio exercise that can train the body's muscles and heart strength. In addition, swimming regularly can also increase metabolism, so the body can burn more calories.
No wonder swimming is a recommended sport for weight loss, especially for those of you who are on a diet program. In addition, there are still many benefits of swimming that can be obtained.
Various Benefits of Swimming
The following are the benefits of swimming that you can get, especially when done regularly:
1. Maintain heart health
One of the most popular benefits of swimming is maintaining a healthy heart and lungs. A study shows that swimming can improve blood circulation in the body and the body's ability to use oxygen.
Thus, not only has an impact on heart health, swimming regularly is also good for maintaining the function of various body organs and reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
2. Build muscle mass
Various movements in the sport of swimming require almost all the muscles of the body to move against the pressure in the water. This is what causes swimming to increase flexibility and muscle mass of the body. Swimming is also good to do to shrink the calves and make them look firmer.
3. Lose weight
Swimming for 1 hour can burn about 500–650 calories. Therefore, swimming can be a sport of choice for those of you who want to lose weight.
4. Reduce stress
Stress is a common condition experienced by almost everyone. Swimming can be one way to overcome this. A study suggests that swimming can relax the muscles of the body, thus making you more relaxed.
5. Improve sleep quality
A study conducted on insomniacs showed that swimming can improve the quality of their sleep. Therefore, if you have trouble sleeping, try swimming to get a better night's sleep.
6. Relieve arthritis
Swimming can also reduce pain due to joint inflammation, so it is safe and is actually recommended for people with arthritis. Other studies also mention that people with osteoporosis who swim regularly can experience a decrease in joint pain.
7. Overcoming pinched nerve conditions
Pinched nerves can make it difficult for sufferers to move and lie more in bed. If left untreated, this condition will actually weaken the muscles and make the joints stiffen.
One way to deal with pinched nerves is to swim. Various movements in swimming can make the muscles of the back and spine become more relaxed and relaxed.
How to Get the Maximum Benefits of Swimming
Swimming can provide various health benefits. However, to prevent injury, there are several things you need to consider before doing swimming, including:
- Use swimwear that is comfortable and fits your body.
- Wear swimming goggles, if necessary, to prevent eye irritation due to the chlorine content in swimming pool water.
- Warm up before entering the pool.
- Provide and consume drinking water regularly on the sidelines of swimming.
- End the swimming session with a cool down.
If you're just starting to learn to swim, don't push yourself too hard by swimming for too long. Increase the intensity of swimming slowly and do it regularly at least 3-5 times per week.
If you have certain diseases and are unsure whether your body condition allows you to do swimming, you should first consult a doctor. That way, you can avoid injury and the benefits of swimming can be maximized.