Swimming is a great form of exercise that can improve your fitness, mental health and overall well-being. It’s also a low-impact activity that can be safe for people of all ages and ability levels, but you should always check with your doctor before starting any new fitness routine.
Build endurance
The best thing about swimming is that it is a low-impact form of exercise that will help you build up your muscle strength, flexibility and cardio. It also allows you to switch between aerobic and anaerobic energy use, which is an important way to build up your endurance.
Reduces stress and anxiety
The rhythmic breathing that occurs during your swim sessions can trigger the part of your nervous system responsible for relaxation. This can be a huge stress reliever, especially for those who suffer from chronic stress or high levels of anxiety.
Increases confidence
As you start to feel comfortable in the water, you can begin working towards more challenging strokes. This may include learning the freestyle and breaststroke, both of which are easy to learn but can become increasingly difficult as you progress.
Develops coordination
Your body is made up of many different parts and muscles, so swimming requires coordination between them to be effective. It’s especially important when you are first learning to swim as it will help your arms and legs work together to propel you through the water.
It’s not a quick process, so it’s important to be patient when you’re learning to swim. You’ll probably have some moments when you are frustrated with yourself, but it is essential to stick with it.
Lose fear of the water
The main reason most people are afraid of the water is that they have never spent much time in it before. This is why it is important to start in the shallow end of the pool where you can get used to the water and float on your back without panicking.
You should also practice your breath and hold it under the surface of the water. This will make it easier for you to learn to float when you are in the water, as new swimmers often let their butt sink down which can cause them to get out of shape quickly.
Find peace and creativity
When you are swimming, your brain is working hard to keep you moving forward, so it can produce endorphins that give you a sense of calmness and happiness. This can help to relax and refocus you on the task at hand.
Improves sleep
As a relaxing exercise, swimming can help to promote better quality sleep. This is because the repetitive motions of your arm and leg movements can trigger your brain to release serotonin, a natural sleep-inducing chemical.
It can also stimulate your production of melatonin, a hormone that helps to regulate the body’s temperature. This can also help you to sleep more soundly during the night, so that you can rest better and wake up feeling refreshed.