Benefits of Swimming for Physical and Mental Health

Swimming is the movement or displacement through water by using the body limbs and without using any artificial instrument. Swimming is a sport as well as recreational that is very beneficial for the human being, since being mainly an aerobic exercise, swimming reduces the harmful effects of stress, it can improve and correct the posture and develop a characteristic physique, often called "swimmer's silhouette"

source

Swimming, contrary to the thinking of some people, can be done in many different ways in addition to accommodating the particular needs of each individual.

Currently, there are several activities directed by professionals other than the traditional learning courses, which supports the aforementioned. We see courses for pregnant women, seniors, babies, among others.

• Reduces stress and depression.

First of all, any physical exercise releases endorphins, the hormones that produce the sensation of well-being.

Also, research has shown that swimming can reverse the damage caused by stress.

• Improves cardiorespiratory function.

Swimming improves the body's resistance. It improves the efficiency of oxygen consumption up to 10% and increases the ability of the heart to boost blood by up to 18%.

Strengthens the heart and lungs. Due to the respiratory work carried out in the water, the efficiency in the oxygenation and transfer of the blood is increased.

• Improves flexibility.

Unlike bodybuilding machines that only exercise some parts of the body, swimming makes a large part of the body work, which helps the joints remain flexible.

To improve flexibility, it is recommended that soft stretches be performed at the end of the exercise.

• It has no impact on the joints.

When swimming, the joints do not suffer the impact they suffer with other sports such as tennis or running. In fact, this sport is recommended to treat arthritis for this reason.

• It can be practiced throughout life.

Because swimming has no impact, it can be practiced throughout life. In fact, there are usually people over 90 who practice it.

• Reduce the cholesterol.

To keep you healthy it is good that you have high levels of good cholesterol (HDL) and low levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in your body.

Swimming can balance these levels due to the benefits of aerobic exercise, which lowers HDL levels.

• Improves asthma symptoms.

Swimming indoors has the advantage of being able to practice it in a humid environment, which can help reduce asthma symptoms.

In fact, some studies have shown that swimming can improve the general condition in patients with asthma (snoring, mouth breathing, minor visits to the doctor).

In any case, it is beneficial for everyone, since it increases lung capacity.

• Reduces the risk of diabetes.

In one study it was shown that the risk of diabetes was reduced by 6% when swimming. With only 30 minutes, three times a week the risk of getting type 2 diabetes is reduced by 10%.

On the other hand, if you already have type 1 diabetes, aerobic exercise can be helpful, as it increases insulin sensitivity.

• Increase muscle mass throughout the body.

After 8 months of swimming you can see up to 23% increase in muscle mass.

• Improves sleep.

According to a US survey in 2013, people who exercise, such as swimming, are twice as likely to say they have slept well every night or almost every night.

They are also less likely to report sleep problems.

• Burning calories.

When you swim you burn 500-600 calories per hour, depending on the intensity and your physical condition.

Running and doing an elliptical bike burn something else, although they are very close: swimming burns 11% fewer calories than running and 3% fewer calories than cycling.

• Benefits in babies.

It has several benefits in babies:

Psychomotor development.
Help the baby to relax.
Develop vital survival skills.
Strengthening the cardiorespiratory system.
Help the baby feel more secure.
Strengthening the immune system.
Increase the IQ.
Improves and strengthens the affective and cognitive relationship between baby, mom and dad.

• It allows you to run better / practice running.

By increasing the ability to absorb and effectively use oxygen, swimming increases the resistance.

In addition, swimming works the buttocks and the hamstring muscles, which is necessary to improve the way of running.

• Social and psychological benefits.

In addition to swimming you can meet other swimmers with whom to exchange experiences, develops a positive attitude (individually and in a group), a sense of well-being, patience and releases tension.