Ceri Hannan, National Product Development Manager at Virgin Active South Africa shares,”A session in the pool is as beneficial to mental wellbeing as it is to physical fitness and everyone should consider including a 30-minute swim in their exercise routines.” Here are his five benefits of swimming.
1. Repress the stress. Multiple studies show that the effects of being submerged in water are calming and relaxing for the body, mind and soul.
SEE ALSO: 6 tips to protect your hair when swimming
2. Burns more calories. Did you know that a 30-minute swim burns more calories than cycling, running and walking? It’s the most effective low intensive cardio that one can do.
3. Increased oxygen intake. Lungs are boosted with the increased oxygen intake from swimming when one comes up for air and carbon dioxide is released. Blood pressure and the resting heart rate is lowered with the amount of air one’s lungs can take during relaxed breathing.
SEE ALSO: 6 tips to keep your swimwear for more than one season
4. Different muscles work it. Unlike cycling or running, the movements required to swim work arm and shoulder muscles which are usually neglected. Core and lower back muscles are also involved as one’s body stays working to maintain the balance in the water.
5. Pace your fitness level. Swimming can be done at any stage in life and is especially beneficial when recovering from some types of injuries.
