For people who don't like feeling sweaty, you can get an amazing low-impact cardio workout by swimming laps. Swimming is a great way to stay fit, toned, lengthen muscles and burn calories without the miserable feeling of a cardio workout.
Especially for women, there are benefits to swimming for feminine health. Many women believe that swimming isn't a period-safe activity, but it actually helps alleviate menstrual cramps and stress, according to PenmMedicine.
Being in the water is very peaceful, if you are looking to add a sport to your life that also helps you practice mindfulness and disconnection, look no further than swimming for mental and physical health benefits.
Swimming is a one-stop shop for fitness and while it is most popular in places with a warm climate, it is not exclusive to sunny regions. Find an indoor pool at the gym or community center to add lap swimming to your workout routine.
Toning And Flexibility
It is important to stretch every day to lengthen your muscles and avoid body aches that develop from tension. Incorporating exercises that also lengthen your muscles is an easy way to add more dimension to your workout routines. Swimming is one of the best sports for flexibility and toning because it requires you to lengthen your body naturally during the sport.
From pushing off of the wall, and reaching forward to get more traction in your stroke, your body is in a constant state of pushing and pulling your muscles. The traction in the water due to pulling your won body weight is similar to lifting weights.
Swimming is a great sport for women who aren't into lifting weights as the water provides all of the traction you need. It is also an easy way to practice balance, and create a better posture. Having a good posture is vital for keeping your body healthy, if it is an aspect of your life you need to improve try adding swimming to your routine.
Low Impact Cardio
Cardio is an important aspect of working out to strengthen your heart and burn calories. Finding the right cardio for your body is key to getting the most out of your workout. Folks who struggle with injury, tight hips or knee pain should stick to low impact cardio such as cycling, or swimming.
Swimming is the best low-impact cardio for women because it burns the same amount of calories as running or more, according to Runners World. Although, if you are swimming for weight loss, keep in mind to stick to freestyle for burning calories, and breaststroke for the cool down. You don't get as much out of your workout swimming breaststroke more than freestyle as it is less cardio heavy.
Relieves Menstrual Cramps
Little known fact, swimming can actually help relieve period cramps, according to gynecologists. Many women shy away from pool time during their period, but it is actually a great place to go for some self-care before or during your period.
If you are experiencing menstrual cramps before or after your period, hop in the pool and swim some laps. The combination of lengthening and moving your body helps to self-regulate your physical and mental health, and the water pressure will help relieve menstrual pressure.
Other common symptoms of menstruation are feelings of stress, anger and sadness. In combination with cramps, it can really make you not want to exercise. Hopping in the pool for some laps is cramp friendly, and will help channel those feelings of stress and anger and let them go.
Make sure to bring some water to stay hydrated as women often struggle with this more during menstruation.
Relieves Stress
Anytime you move your body, it stimulates metabolism and hormones. Specifically, during exercise, your body releases endorphins which make you happier, according to PennMedicine.
Sure, any sport can make a release this effect, but swimming is a very meditative and low-stress sport compared to other forms of cardio. If stress is something you are looking to alleviate with exercise, try adding swimming to your workout schedule. Being in the water is calming, and quiet. With little access to distractions, it can be easier to focus on yourself, concentrate on your sport, and practice mindfulness.
For a peaceful body and mind, find a pool near you to start swimming laps at least once a week. In the winter months, it can be less motivating to get in the pool but get started now so when summer rolls around you are already in good swimming shape.
No matter the weather, swimming is the perfect year-round sport for improving women's health, mental health and keeping up with your body goals.
