If there is an exercise which people of all ages can engage in, then it’s swimming. The versatile activity which engages all the major muscles in the body is considered suitable for people in all levels of fitness. Apart from promoting fitness, swimming is also said to have mental healing powers. This article offers an overview of different types of swimming, benefits, and the essentials that you must have.
It’s an individual or a group activity that involves the use of the whole body to move through water. Swimming is a sport that can be done for leisure or competition. It normally takes place in open water spaces such as a lake, sea, river, etc. or in pools.
Types of Swimming
This is an all-round type of activity that engages all the body parts and muscles. There are five main types of swimming and they are categorized based on the type of strokes and they include:
- Freestyle Stroke
- Butterfly Stroke
Benefits of Swimming
Swimming is fun and it involves the use of muscles groups. It’s a cool way to engage your mental faculties, keep fit, and socialize with others. This reactional activity requires you to propel yourself through water. The top benefits of swimming include:
Suitable for All Age Groups
From toddlers to adults, everyone can take this activity. Children who are as young as a few months old as well as the aged can engage easily swim without problems. Additionally, it’s suitable for all levels of fitness because you can do it at your own pace. Note that swimming pools have designated area for beginners and those people who swim slowly.
Suitable for People with Disabilities
This is one of the sporting or leisure activities that can be done by people with disability. As a matter of fact, most people who are disabled find it to be the most ideal option because the water resistance helps to enhance muscle development, improve social skills, and enhance confidence, particularly in people with mental issues.
Promotes Weight Loss
Yes, it’s possible to lose weight by swimming. This activity enhances the breakdown of excess calories which are stored in the body. However, the amount of weight which a person can burn heavily depends on how intensely they swim and their weight loss goals.
One reason that makes people quit their hobbies is boredom. However, swimming is fun and chances of getting bored are very small. You can try different types of strokes. Additionally, you can engage in water polo, aerobics, diving, and racing among others.
Reduces Stress and Encourages Good Moods
A great way to ease stress and reduce the symptoms of anxiety is by engaging in exercises such as swimming. It also encourages the release of endorphins which are mood boosters. By doing this, it can positively impact a person’s self-esteem, leading to improved confidence. It’s for this reason that some people end up sleeping better after swimming. Reports from research studies show that it provides a calming effect, thereby reducing the symptoms of insomnia.
Affordable and Accessible
There are many facilities which are found within hotels, schools, and colleges that have swimming pools. Additionally, it’s very easy to sign-up for a swimming lesson because it’s affordable. However, note that there are some facilities which offer free swimming lessons.
Provides General Body Workout
Swimming is one of the exercises that engage nearly all the major muscle groups in the body. It requires the swimmer to use their torso, legs, arms, stomach, and other parts. It’s a workout activity that improves strength, tones the muscles, increases the heart rate in a natural way, etc.
Must-Have Swimming Essentials
Must-have swimming essentials are those things that you must have in your pool bag if you are going to engage in this water based activity. To ensure that you are well-equipped when you arrive at the poolside, some of the essentials that you need to have are:
- A swimsuit
- A swim cap
- Flotation devices
- A first aid kit
Where to Buy the Best Swimming Essentials
You can purchase swimming essentials from a variety of retailers which include Amazon, SpeedoUSA, SwimOutlet, Hoaka Swimwear, Target, Walmart, Walgreens, and Bestbuy among others. They all have different prices depending on the brand, size e.g. small or plus size swimsuit, etc.
Swimming is a fun and engaging activity that you can do alone for leisure or as a competitive sport with a group of other participants. The versatile and water-based exercise can be done by people of all age groups as well as the level of fitness. It not only promotes mental health but also enhances physical fitness.