Have you ever wondered why you should swim laps when there are so many other options out there when it comes to maintaining your health and well being? Swimming laps is an extremely beneficial form of aerobic exercise that many people don’t think of when it comes to staying in shape, but the truth is, when it comes to exercise that works your whole body, swimming is definitely the winner out of all of the other types of cardio out there. Swimming laps works your muscles, cardiovascular system and other key body systems completely, in a peaceful environment that you simply can’t find anywhere else. So, why should you swim laps? Consider the following benefits and see why you should add swimming to your workout plan:
Swimming is actually good for you!
Swimming works each of the major muscle groups in your body, including the shoulders, legs and your chest, back and core. Since water has twelve times resistance of air, swimmers notice the results of their training sessions quickly, with muscle definition and weight loss often occurring faster than with other types of workouts. Instead of lifting weights a few times a week and completing hours of cardio on a machine, swimmers are able to achieve even better results in less time.
Swimming is peaceful.
When you are swimming – even in a public pool - there are very few distractions. There are no cell phones, no computers and for most swimmers, not even any music to distract them from what they are doing. This, combined with the white noise that being in the water provides, results in a peaceful, calm environment that makes it possible to actually relax while you are working out. Instead of relying on televisions, MP3 players or an eBook reader to get you through a boring workout on a treadmill or elliptical trainer, swimming laps in a pool is the simplest way to quickly get some peace in your life. Many studies have reported that swimming laps actually increases bloodflow to the brain as well, and some swimmers actually report coming up with solutions to problems to big ideas while they are in the middle of swimming laps.
Swimming is just plain cool.
Simply put, it feels good to swim. Whether you are new to the sport or have been swimming laps for years, anyone who jumps into the pool can get a workout that works each of the muscle groups without risking injury due to pounding it out on hard concrete through running or injuring yourself on a cardio machine at the gym. Getting your heart rate way up with sweating is comfortable, unlike sweating it out inside a crowded gym. And since the water gives you all the support you need by providing cool buoyancy and comfortable support, you won’t have to worry about impact injuries to your joints and bones. It’s a win-win when it comes to finding the perfect balance between a comfortable workout and a workout that delivers amazing fitness results.