Swimming: What are its health benefits

Swimming is a popular form of exercise that is both fun and relaxing for many people, and is an excellent choice for both your physical and mental health . According to Livestrong , this form of exercise is great for people who need a quiet moment in the day to recharge.Swimming

"The water gives you a personal thinking chamber where you can escape from reality," said Jenny McCuiston, co-founder of Goldfish Swim School. “No outside noise or problems. It's just you and your thoughts in the water."

Swimming: What are its health benefits?

Swimming is a great way to work your entire body and strengthen your muscles . The pool water provides a natural resistance that will force your muscles to work hard, which will build and tone them over time. And because water softens the entire body, swimming is great exercise for people with arthritis , joint pain, or other health problems that make it difficult to participate in high-impact activities.

It's also good for your heart , giving you an intense cardiovascular workout that will strengthen your heart and lungs . It may even help you live longer. The CDC found that swimmers have about half the risk of death as inactive people (via the CDC). If you have access to a pool, well, it's a good idea to swim a few laps when you can.

Are there any downsides to swimming?

Although there are many reasons to take up swimming, it is not the best exercise for everyone. If you're someone who likes to listen to loud music while working out, for example, you might not be able to do it while swimming! Also, people who are sensitive to chlorine may find it difficult to swim in pools, as most are treated with this chemical to keep bacteria at bay, Sportsver explains . In addition, even when pools are cleaned regularly, swimmers are still susceptible to some infections , including athlete's foot and fungal infections.

The main disadvantage of swimming, however, is that this exercise requires access to a body of water in the first place . While many gyms and recreation centers have pools, these places can cost more than a small gym without as many amenities. Unless you're lucky and live in a seaside area!

Ultimately, though, swimming is a great exercise that people should look into doing more often if they care about their physical and mental health. However, like any sport, it comes with some risks and potential downsides that you should be aware of.