Eight benefits of swimming on your body... and on your mind

We have always heard that swimming with lifeguard class is the most complete sport, and it is because it is an aerobic exercise in which two thirds of the body's muscles are involved, enhancing strength, resistance and flexibility. In addition. 

It can be practiced at any age, the risk of injury is lower and its regular practice has benefits for the body in the medium and long term. The best thing is that it adapts to different levels of fitness, ideal for those who are just starting out and a very complete exercise for regular athletes, whether in the pool or in open water .

Let's see some of these benefits:

1. Produces low impact on bones and joints

By submerging our body in water for sports, it "weighs less", is governed by the buoyancy principle and does not receive the impact of asphalt or hard surfaces that it faces in other sports. In this way, the joints wear out less and are better preserved.

2. Greater flexibility and elasticity

When swimming with lifeguards class we use most of the muscle groups of our body, both the upper and lower body as well as the trunk and head, so the joints are more flexible and the muscles are toned and strengthened, especially those of the back. That is why it is a highly recommended exercise for those who suffer from hernias, low back pain or hip problems.

3. Burn fat

Under optimal conditions and depending on the intensity at which it is practiced, swimming can burn between 500 and 600 calories per hour. For this reason, it is common for it to be incorporated into the routines of those who begin a weight loss program.

 4. Fight chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes or cholesterol

Being an aerobic exercise , of low intensity but that takes place over longer periods of time, it helps lower blood cholesterol levels and produces greater sensitivity to insulin, lowering blood glucose levels.

5. Improvement of the respiratory system and increase in lung capacity

Learning to breathe is the first step to enjoy swimming, with each stroke and with each intake of air the respiratory system is favored .

6. Neural and cognitive benefits

When swimming we activate the two cerebral hemispheres and the four lobes of the brain, which seems to lead to greater cognition, in addition, neural links are produced and greater activation of the brain that receives more oxygen.

7. Cardiorespiratory benefits

Swimming improves oxygen consumption by up to 10% and the heart can push blood up to 18% more. This results in better circulation as heart rate decreases, while breathing exercises imply an increase in cardiorespiratory resistance.

8. Psychological benefits

By immersing ourselves in the water and concentrating on breathing, an immediate effect is produced: the body relaxes and the feeling of stress is reduced, as well as improving the symptoms of depression. .

As we already commented in the article on the runner's euphoria , when practicing sports, endorphins are released that promote a positive attitude, the feeling of well-being takes over the athlete and tensions are released.

Must Read: 7 health benefits of swimming