When talking about keeping fit, one of the go-to forms of exercise is swimming. Did you know that swimming is great for mature adults as well? Swimming is considered a low-impact sport, which is a great alternative for people with chronic joint pain like arthritis and who would like to avoid injury. It helps to improve one’s strength and balance as well! Here are some benefits of swimming for your loved ones.
Less Strenuous on the Joints
As we age, our joints become frailer and more prone to inflammation. Low-impact sports such as swimming and yoga give people an opportunity to get their exercise in without dealing with the pain after. Swimming does not pressurize the knees, hips, or spine, and water helps to support some weight, reducing the impact of gravity on your joints. Studies have shown that swimming is an effective alternative to walking especially for people with osteoarthritis.
Promotes Flexibility and Mobility
While reducing the effect of gravity on your weight, the buoyancy of water also helps people to fully extend their limbs and go through the full range of motion easily. This helps to lubricate the joints and improve flexibility, which becomes more important with age to prevent injuries. If your joints are easily inflamed, doing the stretches in water is a great alternative to work on flexibility.
Improves Balance
Swimming is an all-inclusive workout as it does not focus only on one body part. It works for all the major muscle groups especially the core, legs, and upper torso. Having stronger muscles in these areas help to improve balance and posture, resulting in lesser chances of falls.
Strengthens Cardiovascular Health
As swimming requires you to hold your breath underwater, it helps to strengthen the heart muscles and eventually reduces the risk of heart diseases. Swimming also helps with blood pressure and good cholesterol levels, which reduces the chances of coronary heart disease too. However, do not jump into the water just yet! If you have any pre-existing heart conditions, please check with your doctor if it is safe for you to take up swimming.
Other Benefits
Apart from physical benefits, other aspects of your life will benefit as well! For example, going for swimming lessons help to promote socialization and lessen the symptoms of depression. As other peers will join the classes, there are many opportunities to connect with other people with the same interests. This eventually will lead to a reduced feeling of loneliness and depression. Swimming also helps some to relax, reducing stress and anxiety levels for both body and mind, which is essential to resting well. So get started today!
