Why Swimming
Learn about the benefits of swimming, the value that it brings and where to find out more information about swimming in general from Swim England
Benefits of swimming whatever your fitness level
No matter what your fitness level, the general benefits of swimming are yours to go out and grab and make your own.
It has the power to give your muscles a makeover, transform you into a cardio king, turn back the clock, and calm you quicker than a secluded beach in the Bahamas.
But if this isn’t enough to get you reaching for your cossie, here are our top benefits of swimming to show you there is no such thing as being too cool for the pool.
Top Eight:
Full body workout. Swimming uses all the muscles in the body so whether you swim a gentle breaststroke or hammer butterfly, you will get a full body workout. Plus, exercising in water makes your body work harder so 30 minutes in a pool is worth 45 minutes of the same activity on land.
Great for general wellbeing. Just 30 minutes of swimming three times a week alongside a balanced, healthy diet and lifestyle is one of the best ways to stay fit and healthy and maintain a positive mental outlook. Do it with friends, and it’s even more fun!
De-stresses and relaxes. Whether it’s work stressing you out, the kids being a nightmare, or just life in general, we all get times we just want to SCREAM. Well, help is at hand. Swimming regularly can lower stress levels, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve your sleep patterns. Feeling the mental benefits of swimmingtakes just a light swim. No lane pounding needed.
Burns those calories. Swimming is one of the most effective ways to burn calories. A gentle swim can burn over 200 calories in just half an hour, more than double that of walking. And a faster swim would see that chocolate bar gone quicker than if you went running or cycling.
Lowers the risk of diseases. As well as being a great form of cardiovascular exercise, swimming just 30 minutes a week can help to guard against heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.
Supports the body. Water supports up to 90 per cent of the body’s weight. So if you sprained an ankle at Monday night football or have a long term injury or illness, swimming is a brilliant way to stay active.
Increases your energy levels. Inactivity and not ageing is often responsible for people’s lack of energy. Just 30 minutes of swimming three times per week can boost your energy levels through increased metabolic rate.
Exercising without the sweat. If sweating puts you off other forms of exercise, fear not! As a swimmer, you’ll never feel sweaty no matter how hard you work because the water around you is constantly cooling you down.
**Article by Swim England
Value of Swimming
Swim England commissioned robust research to demonstrate the value of swimming to individuals and to society.
Their findings show clearly how swimming positively contributes to physical and mental wellbeing, to individual and community development, and helps to reduce the burden to our health and social care system.
Swim England reveals the Value of Swimming
Swimming can reach so many people and be enjoyed by people of all ages. It can transform lives and tackle a number of the problems facing society in a way that no other sport can.
Their report proves what those involved with swimming have known for a long time. Swimming has the power to help people live longer, better, happier lives.
Download the technical report and response reports for the Value of Swimming study below.
Online Information:
Just Swim By Swim England
Many feel the range of options available to us to improve our lifestyle is bewildering. The Just Swim website and App are here to make it easy for you.
There is one thing you can do right now to get a little healthier, fitter and happier: Just Swim!
If you can’t swim head over to their Learning to Swim section so you don’t miss out.
But the Just Swim website and App are about more than swimming. They are about enjoying the benefits of simply being in the water.
From general swimming to aqua aerobics, it’s about using the water as part of a better lifestyle. It’s about helping you become a little healthier, fitter, and more relaxed.
What you can find on the Just Swim website
In short, lots of help if you are dipping your toes into improving your lifestyle:
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Discover the secrets of healthy eating
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Check out videos of light exercises you can do in the pool
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Videos showing you how to warm up and stretch effectively
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Tips to help you relax and destress.
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Swim and gym exercises for the more adventurous
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Lots of information on swimming and why it is so good for you in their Love Swimming section.
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Download the swim logging app to help burn off indulgent moments or challenge yourself.
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Check out the calories you burn swimming with the Just Swim Calorie Cruncher. Discover how well swimming compares with running, walking or cycling.