THE MAGIC OF WATER
Water has a density greater than our bodies. Water literally "pushes" back against us, providing buoyancy (we float) and a natural resistance to movement. These special properties of water create a perfect environment for practicing non-weight bearing (low impact)exercise that is also resistive in nature.
Swimming is the most obvious form of low- impact water-based exercise, but shallow and deep water walking/running, dynamic movement exercises, yoga, stretching, etc. can also be practiced in the water. Your pool is your personal gym - start your membership today!
DO MORE WITH LESS
Swimming offers something that most land-based activities don't - the ability to work your body without the harsh impact on joints, ligaments and connective tissues associated with typical land based movements. The low-impact environment of water is thus ideal for those who are managing osteoporosis or arthritis, rehabilitating injuries, recovering lost functional capacity or in need of recovery from high-impact exercise training.
INCREASED MUSCLE TONE & STRENGTH
Water-based movement is a great way to increase muscular tone and strength. Every kick and every arm movement in the water becomes a resistance exercise. However, unlike the weight room - where the load is equal to the amount of weight you hold - the load in the water is equivalent to the number of reps you perform. Therefore, the longer you move in the water the more benefit! Aim for 30 minutes per day!
IMPROVED FLEXIBILTY
Swimming puts the body through a broad range of motion, especially at the shoulders. The act of moving a joint through its full range of motion helps to increase and maintain the mobility and strength of the joint. Any joint of the body can be exercised in the water in a safe non-weight bearing way. Try taking some of your favorite stretches to the water!
A HEALTHIER HEART
Because swimming is an aerobic exercise, it serves to strengthen the heart and to make it more efficient pump - which leads to better blood flow throughout your body.
WEIGHT CONTROL
Swimming is an immense calorie burner. To boost the calories-burning effect of swimming. consider using intervals in which you work to increase your intensity for short bursts and then recover with slower swimming or rest and then repeat.
LOWER RISK OF DIABETES
When it comes to preventing and managing diabetes, there are a few prescriptions as powerful as aerobic exercise. According to the Canadian Diabetes Association, diabetics should strive for a minimum of 150 minutes or aerobic activity per week to improve and maintain glycemic control. Swimming and other water-based movements are an essential component of any long-term aerobic fitness plan.
LOWER STRESS, HIGHER SPIRTS AND A BETTER BRAIN
A release of natural endorphins is one of the most pleasant side effects of swimming. In addition to the endorphins high, swimming can also evoke a relaxation response. This is similar to the way yoga works on the body through rhythmic contraction and stretching of your muscles underpinned by deep rhythmic breathing. Swimming is also a meditative exercise supported through the rhythmic sound of your own breathing and splash of the water as mantra of sorts.
Aside from the metaphysical benefit of swimming, research shows that it can change the brain for the better through a process known as hippocampal neurogenesis, whereby the brain replaces cells lost through stress.
SWIM YOUR WAY TO BETTER HEALTH
Given all these benefits of swimming, along with the fact that better health leads to a longer life, why not dive in and get started to a lifetime of good living? Start slowly, have fun and enjoy the magic of water by swimming as part of your healthy lifestyle today.
