Health Benefits of Swimming

Have you had the habit of swimming since childhood? Swimming is more than just a sport, it is an important habit. The fact that it is not easily applicable, such as walking or running, prevents it from being practiced widely. However, when done regularly, swimming has numerous benefits for the body. Swimming is one of the best ways to exercise the whole body and primarily the cardiovascular system. An hour of swimming burns as many calories as running.

Benefits of Swimming for Cardiovascular Health

Swimming has direct effects on the cardiovascular system. Swimming allows our heart, blood vessels and lungs to be used more effectively. Studies show that regular swimming reduces the risk of death, like other cardiovascular exercises. In fact, compared to people who do not lead an active life, the risk of death of people who swim regularly is halved. This is not the only heart-related benefit of swimming; it is known to lower blood pressure and pulse, as well as balance blood sugar levels.

Exercises the Whole Body

The most important feature of swimming is; It is the exercise of all the muscles of the body, from head to bottom, regardless of right, left, upper or lower. Swimming has many benefits for the body. The benefits of swimming for humans can be seen as follows:

• It increases your heart rate without straining your body, It strengthens all muscles equally on both sides,
• including not only your arm but also your trunk and leg muscles,
• It improves endurance.

Relieves Pain

Swimming can also be beneficial for people with diseases that need to be controlled. It is known that swimming supports the treatment of people with inflammatory rheumatic diseases, arthritis, shoulder problems, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, neurological diseases and some physical disabilities, provided that a doctor's approval is obtained before starting swimming. Swimming can be effective in relieving pain on the one hand or healing injuries on the other. It may help reduce joint pain and joint stiffness in people with joint problems such as osteoarthritis. Swimming may play an important role in reducing mobility limitations in these patients. The limbs are held up while swimming by the buoyancy of the water. Water also provides soft resistance. This is important for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients to be able to exercise easily. Research shows that high rates of pain relief are achieved in MS patients who swim regularly. It is also stated that it is effective in reducing depression, fatigue and the development of functional disabilities in these people.

Improves Your Lung Capacity

It is known that swimming is beneficial for the lungs. Swimming is a sport where your breath tries to harmonize with your body. While swimming expands the capacity of your lungs, you can also learn to control your breathing. Although swimming is actually good for asthma patients, asthma attacks may be triggered due to some chemicals used in swimming pools. In such a case, you can choose swimming pools or the sea where salt water is used instead of chlorine.

Improves Sleep

It is also known that swimming has positive effects on sleep. Like all effective cardiovascular exercise, swimming can make it easier for you to fall asleep at night. Studies have shown that regular aerobic exercise improves both the quality of life and sleep of older people suffering from insomnia.

Mental Health Benefits of Swimming

Swimming is also known to have positive effects on mental health. It is thought that water gives calmness and therefore has an effect on people's mood and has a healing power on people's souls. The psychological benefits of swimming are undeniable. According to research, people with dementia experienced partial improvement after doing water exercises. Swimming and water sports are of great psychological benefit to these people. According to a study conducted with people with high stress levels, it was noted that their stress levels decreased after swimming. Although more research is needed, swimming is considered to have potential power to quickly reduce stress.