Benefits of swimming

Swimmers often practice several hours a day in order to maintain a healthy heart and increase their physical endurance.(Photo by: Matthew Cutaia)

Since the start of the 20th century, swimming has been a popular activity to participate in amongst all age groups. According to MedicineNet.com, swimming is currently the second most popular exercise activity in the United States with more than 360 million visits to recreation centers, swim clubs and recreational water venues. Five physiological benefits are provided below from MedicieNet.com in order to understand why millions of people resort to swimming as a form of exercise.

Benefits:

1.    Low impact

Swimming, unlike many other sports, has no ground impact, which protects the joints from stress and strain. Arthritis patients use swimming and water aerobics as a form of exercise since often times “ground sports” can further damage their bones.

2.     Burns calories

    Swimming can burn around 500-650 calories per hour, depending how efficient the swimmer is.

3.     Builds muscle mass

    Certain swimming techniques help build muscle like the butterfly stroke. Most aquatic strokes however, do very little to produce muscle growth, stated the Harvard Medical School.

4.     Builds cardiovascular health

The Harvard Medical School reports that swimming works out the heart and lungs. “This trains the body to use oxygen more efficiently, which is generally reflected in declines in the resting heart rate and breathing rate,” stated the article.

5.     Alternative when injured

Athletes are often required to swim in order to stay in shape and help the rehabilitation process. According to MedicineNet.com, swimming promotes rehabilitation by making the muscles work hard without the high impact experienced on land.