Swimming faster with Coach Richard - Why swim?

Why did we choose this sport?

Swimming works your whole body, improving cardiovascular conditioning, muscle strength , endurance, posture, and flexibility, all at the same time. Your cardiovascular system in particular benefits because swimming improves your body's use of oxygen without overworking your heart. As you become fitter and are able to swim longer, your resting heart rate and respiratory rate will be reduced, making blood flow to the heart and lungs more efficient. 

If you are looking to lose weight, swimming is just the ticket. On average, a swimmer can burn as many calories in an hour as a runner who runs six miles in one hour. Simply put, many fitness experts state that swimming is the perfect form of exercise. Swimming tones your upper and lower body because you are using almost all of your major muscle groups. The best strokes for all-over body toning are the freestyle, breaststroke and backstroke.

There is a low risk for swimming injuries because there is no stress on your bones, joints or connective tissues due to buoyancy and the fact that you weigh 1/10th less in water. If you are looking for a safe daily workout routine, swimming is ideal because you can rigorously work out with a reduced chance of swimming injuries. Many athletes supplement their training with swimming.

Studies have shown that a workout routine that includes swimming can help reduce and possibly prevent high blood pressure, which lowers your risk for heart disease and stroke.

Swimming is extremely relaxing because it allows more oxygen to flow to your muscles and forces you to regulate your breathing. It is also a great way to relieve stress . 

Many people can reap the benefits of swimming. Pregnant women benefit from swimming because it helps strengthen the shoulder and abdominal muscles, which can be strained when carrying a baby. The elderly, women who have had a mastectomy and those recovering from an injury, often turn to swimming or water aerobic exercises because of the low impact on the body. It also helps relax stiff muscles and is not weight-bearing.

The water is an ideal playground for all forms of swimming and exercise. You are now informed of what the excellent health benefits of swimming are and why we love this sport.