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Benefits of swimming
Why Go Swim?
Being active can help you live longer and feel better. It can improve your mood and help you sleep better. It can help you manage your weight and improve your balance.
Surveys have shown the activity most people want to take part in is swimming – and they have made a wise choice because swimming is so good for you.
The best exercise
You’ll often hear people say that swimming is the best exercise. But just what is it that makes swimming such an excellent way to get and stay active?
Reasons to take the plunge:
- It’s great for shaping up. Even a gentle swim can burn over 200 Kcal in half an hour and a fast front crawl can burn as many calories as an 8mph run
- It’s great for mental health. Studies have shown swimming improves psychological well being. Female swimmers in particular have been shown to experience significantly less tension, depression and anger after exercising than before.
- Swimming is for all. No matter what your age, weight and physical ability, swimming and water-based activities can provide you with a workout.
- Swimming is particularly good for pregnant women/those with disabilities, injuries or illnesses like arthritis because swimming can support up to 90% of the body’s weight in the water.
Just starting with activity? Start slowly and build up – if you have any concerns or any existing medical problem ask your GP before you start.
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