If you are new to exercise, swimming is a great way to gently ease yourself in to being more active. It can help you to lose weight and tone and it is a good low impact exercise if you have an injury. Still need some convincing? Here are some of the benefits of swimming.
I still like to go a variety of exercise, as I think it's important to mix things up so I can't get bored. However swimming is one of my favourite forms of exercise because it not only is a good workout, but relaxing too. Whether you want to lose some weight, increase your fitness level, or improve your mental health - swimming has something for everyone.
Swimming For Weight Loss
If weight loss is your goal, then swimming can be a really important part of that. Although it of course depends on your weight and the type and speed of swimming you are doing, swimming can burn between 400-500 calories an hour.
Low Impact Exercise
Swimming is very low impact on joints, because you pretty much bounce and float your way through the workout rather than putting pressure on your joints.
If you have weak knees, perhaps from carrying some extra weight, then swimming is a great workout to start with.
Nobody Is Looking At You
Some people avoid going swimming because they don't want to be seen in a swimsuit in public. But let me tell you - nobody is looking at you! Everyone is worries about their own wobbly bits. Plus, unlike the gym when there are mirrors everywhere and you are on show the whole time, once you are in the water all people can see if your head gliding across the water.
No Equipment Needed
Unlike some other workouts, swimming doesn't require any special equipment. You can get some great value monthly swimming passes and then you just need a swimsuit, which can be picked up fairly cheap. No special shoes needed or weights etc.
You Can Still Listen To Music
For me, I need music when I workout. The tempo sets the bar for my workout and it keeps me distracted when I get bored. You can get some decent, and fairly cheap waterproof MP3 players, so you can have a nice swim and listen to your favourite tracks too.
It's A Great Core Workout
I have never seen much results from core workouts like sit-ups or rowing machines before, but I did notice a difference with swimming. You hold your core when swimming and it's a good way to tone it up, especially after having a baby.
It's Good For Any Age or Ability
No matter what your age or fitness levels, swimming is for you! If your swimming pool has lanes, then go in the slow land is you aren't very confident, or push out of your comfort zone and go a few lanes over.
If you aren't a strong swimmer, or perhaps your never learnt to swim, then get yourself some lessons. Chances are your local swimming pool has adult swimming lessons a couple of times a week. There is nothing to be embarrassed about - it's never too late to learn to swim.
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Ishu
I am 18 plus I want to know the benefits of swimming.... Is height increase or not from swimming... Plz tell me
Sheila
I slipped 2 discs in January, I used to walk to work but can't at the moment. Swimming has helped me with strengthen my leg & making me feel mentally happier within myself
Melissa
I've been swimming once a week for 2 months now I used to do it competitive when I was younger I'm 23 and since I stopped I put on a lot of weight now I've lost 2 stone I feel less depressed and throughly enjoy and look forward to going on now uping to twice a week x
debbie rayner
I started swimming 3 morning a week about 3 weeks ago, I am really enjoying it.
I go to my local pool which opens really early
Is it ok to swim for 30 minutes, 5 morning a week, say Monday to Friday and have the weekend off?
Adam Trainor
Swimming is a full body workout and I don't think many people actually realise that. First paragraph and you have said the key thing about swimming "perfect low impact exercise" You had a knee injury but helped to recover from it with swimming. Anyone with any joint problems or back problems swimming is the best exercise for it because you are not putting impact or strain on your injury. So many good facts about swimming and you have mentioned them, you think no way can swimming for 30 minutes burn so many calories but its a fact. In my local swimming center there is ınfo like this around for people to see. You don't actually feel it because you are in the water and keeping cool but I was once told by a swimmşng instructor that you do actually sweat whilst swimming. Question 6 - What would you say to someone that is put off of swimming because they have to be seen in public in a swimsuit? I think you have answered this question very well and I can understand some people are self conscious about being in a swimsuit but people are also there at swimming for the same reason as you, to lose weight, stay healthy etc. so no one isn't going to think or take much notice of you in your swimsuit.
Metty
I swim once a week, just for fun. I do free style, back and breast strokes. I feel that it's a full body workout, builds muscle strength and tone. I am maintaining my ideal/desired weight for many years now. and my only problem with swimming is that I lose weight. It's a good problem that have. So, I eat a lot of food, bigger portions, to avoid weight loss. Cheers to swimming!
Dannii
Having to eat more isn't a bad thing :)
Beckie
I love swimming, it's such good exercise for your whole body and one of the only sports I'm actually good at haha!
Dannii
Haha, same here.
Rachel Lavern@Online Biz Boomer Babe
I love to swim; however, I do not do so enough. I tend to only go swimming when I am at the ocean (which is not nearly often enough either). I agree that it is great exercise.
Dannii
swimming in the ocean is so much better, isn't it!
Fi
This post has reminded me how much I love swimming, I must must must get back in to the pool more regularly! Thanks for sharing. Fi xx
Dannii
I hope you enjoy getting back in to it.
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie
Oh no, you are the second post I've seen this morning about swimming. The former swimmer in me is wanting to get back in the water so bad now! I'm off to research fitness pools near me now. The closest one is kinda gross, but surely there will be more in my area.
Dannii
I hope you find somewhere nice and clean :)
Jo Smith! (@carsonsmummy)
I do like swimming, it's the getting me into a swimming cozzy that's the hard part!
Dannii
I would say just do it! Everyone has their own insecurities, so no-one will be looking at you.
Michelle Murray
I love swimming the only thing I don't like is the changing rooms especially when they are smelly and dirty and this does put me off
Dannii
I know what you mean. That definitely puts me off too.