Not only fun, these are 10 health benefits of swimming
KONTAN.CO.ID – JAKARTA. Do you want a sport that has many health benefits and is fun to do? Try swimming. Here are 10 benefits:
1. Counts as cardio and strength training
When you swim, when you don’t keep moving, you will drown. This continuous motion is a cardio exercise. “What’s more, water is 800 times denser than water,” says swim coach and triathlon Earl Walton and owner of Tailwind Endurance in New York City.
By swimming the muscles are subjected to constant resistance. That way, we get both cardio and strength training.
2. Including low impact sports
Low impact sports mean those who are injured or who have to be careful with their% care can do it. “You can swim at a higher intensity regularly without worrying about harming the body,” said Walton.
In addition, according to research in the International Journal of Sports Medicine, it is proven that swimming is good for sports recovery, especially when you want to exercise just lightly.
3. Good for the lungs
When the head is in the water, oxygen in the body is limited. “The body adapts to using oxygen more efficiently,” says Walton. The body also learns to take in fresh air with every breath and release carbon dioxide with every breath.
A study in the Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology found that swimmers have a better amount of air entering and leaving the lungs when breathing is relaxed than runners.
This results in a lower resting heart rate and lower blood pressure.
4. So runners are better
By increasing the ability to use oxygen effectively, swimming increases endurance capacity, according to Walton.
This is especially good when you are preparing for the first half marathon. Effective breathing also makes us run faster without fatigue.
In a study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports in 2013, swimmers following a controlled breathing technique (taking two breaths per pool length) experienced up to 6% improvement in running after 12 swimming sessions.
Apart from the benefits of breathing, swimming also works the glutes and hamstrings, abs and shoulders. All that is necessary for running efficiently.
5. Anyone can do it
Whether they’re recovering from injuries, pregnant women, new mothers or Ironman athletes, swimming is a great sport for all. You can set the pace, intensity and goals to be achieved after each session.
6. Get rid of all stress
Exercise does produce endorphins that reduce stress levels. “Swimming in water also has special benefits for elevating mood,” said Walton.
Soaking in water dulls the amount of sensory information that is bombarding the body and helps bring about a feeling of calm.
So according to a study published by Pain Research & Management. Floating in the pool is effective in reducing the symptoms of patients suffering from chronic stress-related illnesses. Not surprisingly, there are people who like to soak when under stress.
7. Make youthful
People who diligently swim 20 years younger than their biological age. That’s according to research from Indiana University.
Scientists say even up to the age of 70, swimming affects blood pressure, cholesterol levels and heart and blood vessel health, central nervous system health, cognitive function, muscle mass, blood chemistry that are more identically found in younger people.
8. Train the muscles that are not moving
“You sit in the office without your arms held high over your head,” said Walton. But when swimming, the arms move everywhere. This means we need to move parts of the body that are often overlooked.
That part of the body cannot be trained when we are running or cycling. In addition, because swimming is more about balance and moving hands and feet, swimming helps develop muscles in the abdomen and lower back that women lack training.
9. Make the brain smarter
Blood flow to the brain increases by up to 14% when a man immerses himself in water up to his heart, according to a study in the Journal of Physiology. Researchers believe the water pressure in the chest cavity is related to this.
Researchers are currently investigating whether water sports improve blood flow to the brain better than exercise on land.
10. Give an interesting experience
With the ability to swim, on vacation we can enjoy nature better. For example, swimming or snorkeling on a clean beach or lake.
“Swimming is a life skill. Swimming opens doors to lots of fun things,” said Walton. (Malvyandie Haryadi)
This article was published on Tribunnews.com with the title Swimming Routine? These are the benefits for your body,
