Thirteen Arguments Championing Swimming as the Superior Exercise Option

Thirteen Justified Reasons Why Swimming Outshines Other Exercise Routines

Swimming is a popular form of exercise that offers numerous benefits, from improving cardiovascular health to reducing stress. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you get started.

Firstly, it's essential to familiarise yourself with the pool. Many pools have slow, medium, and fast lanes for swimming. Beginners should start with slow lanes and work up at their own pace. Most pools have designated hours and lanes for lap swimming, so it's important to check the schedule before showing up.

Before diving in, eating a light meal can provide energy for your workout. The "no eating 30 minutes before swimming" rule is largely a myth. However, it's best to avoid heavy meals to prevent discomfort. Bring a water bottle and take sips during breaks to stay hydrated while swimming.

For those worried about their swimming abilities, taking a lesson can be beneficial. Learning proper swimming techniques can save your life and provide a good workout. Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and patience is key.

Swimming in a pool with a lifeguard is one of the safest forms of exercise. However, when swimming outside, it's crucial to follow safety guidelines. If you see lightning, get out of the water and wait 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before starting swimming again.

When it comes to swimwear, comfortable options are recommended. For instance, a one-piece is suitable for people with ta-tas to avoid discomfort during exercise. Investing in a good pair of goggles and a swim cap can prevent eye irritation and protect hair from chlorine or saline.

In lap swimming, beginners typically start with the freestyle stroke (front crawl) and can progress to more complex strokes like breaststroke or butterfly for a higher workout. HIIT exercises can also be done in a pool and help gain strength and work specific muscle groups while decreasing risk to joints.

Swimming in water-based activities can have additional soothing effects for stress reduction. Cold water swimming may have potential benefits for immune response and stress relief, but more research is needed before conclusive statements can be made.

Outdoor pools might be off-limits for most of the year depending on location, while indoor pools are more common for exercise. Saltwater pools are an option for those who dislike chlorine, as they use a salt process to clean the water.

Safety is paramount when swimming with others. When sharing a lane, it's important to let other swimmers know you're there, stay in your lane, practice the side swim or circle swim, and try the tap and pass when passing another swimmer.

Keep children safe by keeping them physically with you or in your line of sight at all times, and supervise older children as well. Showering before swimming is a common pool etiquette rule.

Remember, it's crucial not to push yourself to the point of pain during swimming workouts. If you start hurting or cramping up, get yourself to the edge of the pool.

Lastly, swimming in a lake or ocean is an option, but it's important to swim in designated areas with a lifeguard and never swim alone without one.

Embrace the water and enjoy the benefits of swimming!