Health Benefits of Swimming

It’s well known that swimming is a great form of exercise. When you swim, your whole body works, using all the major muscle groups from your head and neck down to your legs and feet. That’s why swimming is so good for overall health, including mental health.

In this post, we look at five health benefits that make swimming different from other sports and activities.

1) Water Supports Your Body Weight

In the water, your body is almost weightless, giving you freedom to move in ways that are harder on land. Because the water supports your weight, swimming is ideal for young children who are still developing core strength and balance, and for adults recovering from injuries.

2) Swimming Is an All-Over Body Workout

In the water, your arms, legs, torso, neck and head can move in every direction in a gentle, supportive environment. When you swim a stroke like front crawl, your hands catch the water, your arms pull, your shoulders rotate and your legs kick continuously to keep you balanced at the surface. You also turn your head to breathe in a steady rhythm. That’s what makes swimming a true all-over body workout.

3) Water Is Relaxing

Being in water gives people of all ages a sense of calm. Many people find it soothing, and children especially often relax and become more playful in the water.

4) Swimming Brings Families Together

Family swimming is a great way for parents and children to spend quality time together. Sharing a fun, relaxed activity in the water helps build bonds and happy memories.

5) Swimming Is Gentle on Joints and Injuries

For people whose movement is limited by old or new injuries, exercise on land can be uncomfortable. Because the water supports your body, exercising in a pool puts much less strain on your joints. This makes it easier to move, stretch and build strength in ways that might be too painful or difficult on land.

Learn to Swim with Blue Wave

At Blue Wave Swim School, we teach children and toddlers to swim in small groups or one-to-one at Wimbledon College.

• Private children’s swimming lessons in Wimbledon
• Parent and toddler swimming classes in Wimbledon
• Lesson dates and fees