5 reasons to start swiming
Are you looking to jazz up your exercise routine? Maybe you’re bored with running on the treadmill, or maybe you’ve been meaning to jump into Sport UNE’s newly renovated pool… well, here’s your excuse to do just that!
Swimming is more than just a summer pastime, in fact, we recently researched the benefits of swimming and were blown away by the many ways it can improve not only your physical health, but your mental health too!
Here are some benefits swimming can have to your overall health:
1.It moves your whole body
It’s recommended the average adult strives for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. Swimming is a low-impact aerobic exercise that works your whole body. It can help build endurance, improve flexibility, tone muscles, build strength and increase your heart rate without totally stressing your body. Our top strokes to try include breaststroke, backstroke, and freestyle! Or if you’re not that into laps – you can check out out Group Fitness Timetable and try Aqua!
2.Good for your heart and lungs
Swimming also has a lot of benefits for your insides too! It isn’t a surprise that it can greatly benefit your lungs considering the breathing exercises associated with the sport. Swimming expands your lung capacity and improves asthma.
Regular swimming can also:
- reduced inflammation
- lower blood pressure
- control blood sugar
- better sleep
- build muscle and tone
3. Burn calories
Step aside treadmill, because swimming can burn a whopping number of calories depending on the style of stroke and intensity. 10 minutes of swimming can burn around 60 calories with breaststroke and 100 calories in freestyle! To put that into perspective, if a 92kg person swims freestyle for one hour, they can burn up to 931 calories, compared to 792 calories when running.
4. Boosts your mood and helps manage stress
We’ve all experienced that post-exercise endorphin kick. Not only does swimming release a whole bunch of endorphins, but it also has a relaxation response similar to meditation and yoga. Research has shown that swimming can counteract stress on the brain via a process known as hippocampal neurogenesis.
‘Swimming stretches your body constantly, so combine this with deep rhythmic breathing and you can experience a relaxation rush that’s very unique to the sport.’
Next time you’re having ‘one of those days’ may it be a super stressful day at work, uni, or just life in general, try getting into the pool – you’ll come out feeling a lot better!
5. It’s safe during pregnancy
Swimming is a unique form of exercise because it can be performed in all three trimesters. Studies have found that women who swam during their early to mid-pregnancy had a lower risk of preterm labour and congenital defects. We recommended that you discuss this with your doctor before starting any new exercise schedules during pregnancy.
Membership at SportUNE includes access to all areas – this includes our state-of-the-art indoor pool. This means, you can make swimming a regular in your exercise regime, even into the colder months. Not only will swimming have you feel good on the inside, but you’ll feel great on the outside too!
Come and speak to one of our friendly team members, if you’re unsure how to start out in the pool. Or let us know which type of classes and for who you’d be interested in whilst we’re developing our Swim School! We hope to see you out in the lanes soon!
