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You always hear about how good swimming is for you… From a physical and mental standpoint, the benefits of lap swimming are endless.
While some of the advantages can be quantified by science, others can only be measured by feelings.
Sure, lap swimming may not always be the most fun activity. After decades of swimming competitively we get that. However, the incredible benefits from it and sense of accomplishment when complete make it all worth it.
In this article, we take a deep dive into the top six benefits of lap swimming to help you understand why you should go swimming now:
Health
Regular exercise is one of the most important aspects of a healthy lifestyle. Swimming is a great form of exercise that offers a variety of health benefits.
Lap swimming is an excellent way to get in your daily dose of exercise. It is a low-impact form of exercise that is gentle on your joints. Swimming also helps improve flexibility and muscle tone. It is a great workout for your whole body.
Additionally, it is a great way to improve your cardiovascular health. According to the American Heart Association, swimming can help reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
Swimming is also a great way to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. It burns calories and helps you to tone your body. You can easily burn up to 400 calories in 30 minutes of lap swimming.
And because lap swimming is a resistance exercise, it can help you build muscle mass and improve your metabolism.
Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for people of all fitness levels. You can do it your entire life: from “cradle-to-grave”.
Just make sure you use sun protection if you are swimming outside!
Relaxation
Believe it or not, relaxation is one of the main benefits of lap swimming.
You may ask: How is that possible it helps you relax… When you are swimming, you are doing the opposite of relaxing.
When you’re swimming laps, your body is constantly moving and working. This is a great way to release any built-up stress or tension.
In addition, swimming is a great way to relax your mind and clear your thoughts. When you are in the water, no one can talk to you. That allows you uninterrupted me-time.
If you are someone who likes to focus on their technique, the good news is that there are endless ways to do that for swimming. It is impossible to stress about things outside of the pool, when your mind is focused on what you need to do in the pool.
If you’re looking for a way to wind down after a long day, consider taking up lap swimming.
Socialization
Lap and competitive swimming is a great way to get in shape and meet new people.
While many enjoying swimming alone by creating their own swim workouts, it is definitely more fun and challenging to accomplish masters workouts with a group.
Find a local masters team and join up. Do not let the word “masters” intimidate you. You do not have to be a “master swimmer” to participate.
Or strike up a conversation with a fellow lap swimmer to make a new friend.
Some of our best times as swimmers include socializing during the “mandatory” hot tub dip!
Productivity
Lap swimming can help improve your productivity. Exercise in general has been shown to improve mood and relieve stress, but the soothing effects of water can be especially beneficial.
There are countless successful CEO’s who cite swimming as a must-do as part of their weekly routine.
Swimming laps will relieve stress and clear your mind. A few laps in the pool can help you forget about your troubles and better focus on the task at hand.
A great pool workout can help to release endorphins, which can help to improve your mood and make you feel more relaxed.
Swimming is also a great way to get an energy boost. It can help increase your alertness and give you the extra push you need to power through your day.
So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed out, consider taking a dip in the pool for your mental health. A few laps could be just what you need to boost your productivity levels and get back on track.
Cool Off In The Summer
Swimming laps is a great way to cool off in the summer. When it is scorching hot and you need a refresher, hit the pool.
Nothing beats it when water is maintained at the proper pool temperature. It will help to regulate your body temperature and prevents you from overheating.
While you do sweat when you swim, the water provides a refreshing element you cannot get from workout out on land.
Save A Life
Swimming is one of the only sports that can save a life. With the many dangers of the water, you can help be the solution by being an advocate for water safety.
You never know when you will be in a situation where a strong swimmer is needed to save the day. So keeping in top swimming shape will keep you ready to go.
With all of the health, mental, and emotional benefits, you never know, but swimming may also help save your help too.
Conclusion On The Benefits Of Lap Swimming
As you can see, there are many benefits to lap swimming.
Swimming is great for your health, can help you relax, socialize with friends, increase productivity, cool off in the summer, and even save a life.
If you are new to it, check out the basics on pool etiquette for swimmers and ways to make lap swimming more fun!
So next time you are looking for a workout that is good for your mind, body, and soul, head to the pool!
*Equip yourself for success with our Athlete Approved Guide to Lap Swimming Equipment!*
2 Comments
I appreciated the part about how swimming utilizes the soothing effect of water that helps improve mood and relieve stress. Now I’m convinced letting my kids take part in swimming classes is a good idea. School has been especially hard on them lately, and they need a healthy way to relieve stress.
[…] there are many benefits of lap swimming, staring at the black line at the bottom of the pool can get boring. It is bad when you start […]