Summer is on the horizon, which means pool season is almost here! We will be opening our pools in Mid-May, and are excited to share them with you to cool down and work out all summer long. Whether you’re an athlete, a child, or a senior citizen, swimming is for you! It’s a low-impact way to get in exercise that supports a healthy body and mind. Here are five reasons why you should try swimming for wellness.
1. Helps with Heart Health
Heart disease is the number one cause of death for Americans. A healthy heart is essential for a quality life because it pumps blood throughout the entire circulatory system. As a result, the heart ensures toxins are removed from the body, cells get repaired, nutrients get dispersed, and more.
Much like the muscles that propel our legs to run and our arms to lift things, our hearts also need a workout. If the heart gets weaker, it won’t pump blood as hard. In turn, the blood might not reach areas that need it.
Also, blood might not get pumped back to the heart adequately. Pumping blood back to the heart clears arteries of plaques and protein build-ups. If these deposits start to accumulate, you may be at a heightened risk of developing heart disease.
Swimming is a fun way to strengthen your heart and promote better blood circulation through cardio exercise. Regular cardio-based physical activity enables the heart to achieve improved blood flow, lower blood pressure and improve workout efficiency.
2. Supports Cognitive Function
Good blood circulation isn’t just essential for a healthy heart. It is crucial for a healthy brain.
The act of swimming isn’t the only thing about swimming that’s good for the mind and body. Just immersing yourself in water can improve blood circulation.
One study found that, on average, subjects immersed in pool water saw a 14% increase in blood flow to the middle cerebral artery, while the posterior cerebral artery saw a 9% increase.
Both of these arteries are crucial for the brain to receive oxygen. Oxygenated blood causes new cells to be created and helps flush out any debris that can clog up pathways in the brain.
Improved blood flow to the brain is essential for many mental health and cognitive factors. It could help with mood, mental performance, and memory recall.
3. Boosts Your Mood
Increased blood flow to the brain could be helpful in maintaining a balanced mood. However, that’s not where the mental health benefits of swimming end!
Swimming is exercise. Exercise is something that your body not only needs but enjoys! In fact, the body rewards us every time we exercise by producing feel-good hormones known as endorphins.
Deep, rhythmic breathing is important to propel you through the pool. This type of breathing also regulates your parasympathetic nervous system. Slower breaths can help you slow down your mind, which can boost your overall mood.
4. Enhances Your Sleep
Sleeping is essential for your body to recover. However, millions of people struggle with sleep every day.
Swimming provides a full-body workout in a low impact environment. Therefore, you don’t realize how much of a workout you’re putting your muscles through.
Even after swimming, you feel energized by the endorphins created. Once you head to bed, these adrenaline-based chemicals will start to subside. In turn, you will feel more relaxed and ready for rest.
What’s great about swimming for sleep is that regular sleep has been shown to improve a person’s swimming abilities. It’s a win-win situation!
5. It’s Fun!
Whether you’re taking a swimming class or just swimming to cool down, they’re both fun activities to do. Not to mention, there are others in the community who are also in the pool.
Therefore, going to the pool at your local community center can help you create good friendships within your neighborhood!
Don’t have a pool on your property or looking for something to do in the community? Come on down! Our pools are opening in mid-May. Hope to see you there!