Swimming: is it the best form of exercise?

Jump in and lose yourself! 

Swimming is an excellent full-body workout. It is a great way to keep fit and make friends. But is it the best form of exercise? Well, it all depends on what you are looking for? If it is bulking and larger muscles, then swimming is not the sport for you. But, if you want to keep fit and destress, why not give it a chance. 

The overall benefits of swimming: 

  • keeps your heart rate up but takes some of the impact stress off your body 
  • builds endurance, muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness 
  • helps you maintain a healthy weight, healthy heart and lungs 
  • tones muscles and builds strength 
  • provides an all-over body workout, as nearly all of your muscles are used during swimming. 
  • being a relaxing and peaceful form of exercise 
  • alleviating stress 
  • improving coordination, balance and posture 
  • improving flexibility 
  • providing good low-impact therapy for some injuries and conditions 
  • providing a pleasant way to cool down on a hot day 
  • being available on many places – you can swim in swimming pools, beaches, lakes, dams and rivers. 

 There are two types in a Pool and Open water swim. They are both very different in their own ways and have their own additional benefits and drawbacks.  

Pool Swimming  
  • Safer 
  • Easier to use
  • Can swim at any time 
  • Easier to make friends 
  • Can join a group/classes 

      Drawbacks 

  • Chlorine can irritate your skin if exposed for long periods 
  • Sharing the space 
  • Can become expensive 

 

      Open Water Swimming 
  • Better sleep 
  • Increased happiness 
  • Boosted immune system 
  • Preventing and managing long-term health conditions 

      Drawbacks 

  • Cold water shock 
  • Cold Incapacitation 
  • Hypothermia 
  • Hidden objects and weeds 
  • Pollution 

 

What to bring with you while swimming: 

         Pool Swimming 

 

Additional item to bring Open Water Swimming