The Benefits of Swimming

Swimming. For me it has marvellous connotations of sun, pools and beautiful holidays. For you it might mean the beach by which you live, or a sport you practiced as a child. Swimming for me has always been a pleasure and I've always been (not intending to be big headed at all) a really good swimmer. 

Recently I've got back into my childhood past-time and incorporated my weekly Wednesday swim into my fitness routine. For me it's a bit like Zumba; not a workout but fun! I love the weightless mermaid-like feel of my body in the water (let's admit it who didn't pretend to be a mermaid when they were younger). So to encourage us all to hit the water I've compiled my top 5 favourite (researched to confirm) benefits of swimming.

I wish I looked as good as her ;)

- Swimming is beneficial for your heart and lungs as it is a form of cardiovascular excersise. Strengthening your heart and lungs will make things easier for your respiratory system which means breathing will be easier, your heart will be healthier and overall you'll feel better.


- Swimming tones you up (due to the resistance from the water) and improves balance, flexibility and strength


- Swimming burns calories. It's been proven that 30 minutes of moderate intensity swimming can burn more calories than 45 minutes of activity 'on land'. Your body will work harder to stay at a good temperature in the water. Hard work = calories burned.


- Swimming is a low-intensity excercise so is fantastic for those who are pregnant, recovering from injury or relatively new to excercise and are looking for something to kick start your exercise regimen. There is 99% less pressure on your joints and your muscles in a pool than in a gym. 


- Swimming is a one-for-all exercise. You can go with your friends, your grandma; anyone with a swimsuit! It means you're more likely to get in the pool if there's someone there holding you accountable. 


So there you have it! If that's not motivation to get in the pool I don't know what is; what's more than all of the above - it's fun! You'll find yourself back in your childhood, or back in that memory from the family fun day and you'll want to go back even more!


Tell me - are you a fan of swimming? Is there a pool near you? Definitely let me know if you go back to swimming like I have!


Georgie xx