Swimming is a great way to have fun in the water, but did you know that there are also many other benefits to recreational swimming?
Swimming is about more than just doing laps. Aside from being a great way to exercise, keep active and improve your stroke, learning to swim provides skills that may one day save a life.
With a little bit of imagination and some tips from us, you’ll find that swimming can be a fun activity that’s great for people of all ages and at all levels.Here are just a few of the many benefits of swimming:
Safety
Each year, almost 50 children under the age of 15 drown*.That’s why it’s so important for children to be introduced to the water in a safe and positive environment – it’s the best place to work on swimming skills and boost water confidence.
It is essential for everyone to learn vital skills such as floating, treading water, sculling and basic rescue skills, as these may one day save your life or the life of a family member.
Low cost
Swimming in the ocean, lake or river is completely free and can be a wonderful experience.For those who are lucky enough to own a pool, or to have access to a backyard pool, skills can be practised regularly without the sand or waves.
Even visiting a public pool can be fairly inexpensive compared with other forms of exercise/activity. A membership or season pass to your local pool can be a real money-saver.
Relaxing
The feeling of buoyancy experienced in the water is naturally very calming.When you’re swimming alone, it’s just you and the water. There are no distractions, emails, phone calls or music. As such, it’s quite a relaxing and meditative activity. Swimming with friends is also a great way to relax and be social at the same time. Sometimes it’s great to unwind with a friend, paddle about and having a chat.
Fitness
Jumping into a pool and seeing how many laps you can do is the ultimate way to get fit and feel refreshed at the same time – without the sweat of a gym work out.Swimming helps to burn calories and tone muscles. If you’re working on speed and keeping your heart rate up too, it’s also a great cardio workout. Aim for thirty minutes or more, at least three times a week.
Gentle
Swimming is a low impact activity, which means it is gentle on the body – while still working muscles and helping to build endurance.This makes it an excellent option for people recovering from an injury and those who are just getting started with regular exercise. It also makes it a great sport for building stamina, as you can swim for long periods of time without impacting your joints.
All over workout
Swimming provides an all-over body workout.The action of pulling yourself through the water and working against the resistance the water provides exercises everything from your arms and shoulders, through to your core and legs. By changing your strokes, you are using your muscles in different ways, which assists with building your muscle strength evenly.
Plus, swimming is something you can do at all ages – young or old!