Here, we take a look at some of the leading ways in which swimming can benefit our health, both physical and mental, and why it should be an integral part of people’s lifestyles.
For lifelong competitive swimmers, the sport’s health benefits may appear obvious. It’s widely known to be a fantastic way to build strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness.
But outside the world of elite performance, swimming is uniquely placed to help people of all ages and abilities enjoy considerable health benefits throughout their lives.
Circulatory Health
The holistic nature of swimming is largely the reason why its advantages are so vast and varied. One such by-product that is a testament to its holistic power is the effect swimming has on our circulatory system.
The circulatory system comprises the heart, blood vessels, and blood, and is responsible for transporting oxygen and nutrients to our cells, while also removing waste like CO2.
The pressure exerted by being in the water helps to compress the veins, which promotes blood flow, decreases stiffness in the arteries and reduces the likelihood of blood pooling.
As well as this, swimming is a non-weight bearing activity, and because the body remains horizontal, gravity has less effect which further promotes blood flow back to the heart and counteracts poor circulation in the lower body.
Studies have found that just three months of regular swimming reduced arterial stiffness and the strain transmitted into other organs.
Cardiovascular Endurance
Closely linked to the circulatory health benefits is the positive impact that swimming has on your cardiovascular system.
As a full-body activity, swimming challenges the heart and lungs to work harder as they push oxygen to muscles as you move through the water, helping build stamina and improve overall cardiovascular health.
The rhythmic nature of the breathing patterns you adopt while you swim also supports cardiovascular efficiency, strengthening your lungs and respiratory system over time.
Swimming Can Increase Your Life Expectancy
Somewhat unsurprisingly, data shows that because of these collective benefits, swimming can actually extend your life expectancy. One study from the American Heart Association showed that men who swam regularly were 50% less likely to die of heart disease; the leading cause of death in the United States.
Another report from the University of South Carolina stated that swimmers were 50% less likely to die from certain causes compared to people who only engage in land-based exercise like running.
Supports Good Cognitive Function
As the phrase ‘what’s good for the heart is good for the brain’ would suggest, regular aerobic exercise like swimming supports good brain health.
Swimming specifically, though, is increasingly being hailed as a positive contributor to improved cognitive function due to the fact that you are either in a prone (face down) or supine (face up) position.
Effectively, this means that because of the position you’re in, more blood is flowing to the brain, which can result in structural changes such as an increased size of the hippocampus - the area of the brain responsible for learning and memory.
In fact, a study by the University of South Carolina found that swimmers had significantly better cognitive function, memory, mood, and clarity than non-swimmers.
Low Impact Sport
Swimming is truly a sport for life, which is greatly aided by the fact that it is such a low-impact activity. The water’s buoyancy supports your body weight when you swim, meaning that far less strain is being put on your joints and bones.
This unique characteristic makes swimming perfect for people of all ages, often offering relief to those with chronic conditions such as arthritis or people recovering from injury.
Mental Health Benefits
Aside from the many physical benefits, swimming can also act as a great mental health booster. People who swim regularly often report lower stress levels, reduced anxiety and improvements to their mood due to the endorphins that are released when exercising.
The unique, calming nature of water - whether it be a pool, the ocean, a lake or river - can offer a tranquil environment and naturally soothing effect on the mind.
The comprehensive benefits of swimming as a form of exercise truly make it a sport for all, offering something for everyone from casual dippers to daily swimmers - regardless of age or ability. If you’re yet to dive in, we encourage everyone to take the plunge and become united by water.