Spring is near, and many of us are looking forward to spending the warmer months in the water. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, swimming offers many benefits for the mind and body. Keep reading for more perks of swimsuit season.
Q: Why is swimming such a good exercise?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Swimming is one of the only exercises that works your entire body. To stay afloat, you use virtually every muscle, and you also build endurance. Further, swimming is an excellent cardiovascular workout that keeps your lungs and heart pumping and thumping the way they were meant to.
Q: What is the best age to exercise in the swimming pool?
Marla Ahlgrimm: All ages can benefit from swimming. But, older individuals and those with arthritis or that are recovering from a severe injury may find that the low-impact nature of being in the water reduces pain and strain on the body.
Q: How many calories does swimming burn?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Leisurely swimming at a moderate to slow pace can burn around 400 calories each hour. People who are overweight may burn even more. Swimming at a vigorous pace can help wash away up to 1000 calories. Keep in mind, however, that burning calories does not necessarily equate to weight loss, and building muscle may keep the scales for the same even when you have reduced fat throughout your body.
Q: Can swimming reduce stress?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Absolutely. Swimming can help boost your mood, both in the short and long term. Further, people who swim regularly – or do any type of anaerobic exercise – tend to sleep better, which can also help relieve stress.
