We have always heard that swimming is the most complete sport, and it is because it is an aerobic exercise that involves two thirds of the muscles of the body, enhancing strength, endurance and flexibility.
In addition, it can be practiced at any age, the risk of injury is lower and its usual practice has benefits for the body in the medium and long term. The best thing is that it adapts to different levels of form, ideal for those who are starting and very complete exercise for regular athletes, whether in swimming pool or open water.
Delays the aging process
The first of the benefits of swimming is that it helps delay aging. This does not mean that we do not do it, but it will prevent all the problems associated with it from taking time to appear due to the noticeable improvement in the physical capacity of people who perform this sport.
It is considered that 50% of the functional losses associated with ageing depend on the scarce use of body systems. For this reason, regular swimming keeps the organs functionally in good condition.
Helps to increase our motor capacity
Thanks to the kind of activity you have to do when you swim, your body is more alert. This increases our motor capacity.
As we know, swimming involves coordinating our limbs and breathing. Swimming also helps us to have a better balance and to have a faster and more efficient reaction time.
Improves memory
Another benefit of swimming is that it improves our memory. This is due to the breathing exercises that we carry out when we swim we manage to oxygenate our brain better and favor a better blood circulation. In addition, this coordination of motor movements during swimming encourages the creation of new neural bonds in our brain.
Burns more calories
As an extremely complete exercise, swimming is one of the best options for burning larger amounts of calories. Of course, this is because water causes our limbs to have to work harder to move.
This means that our muscles work five to six times more than when we run, for example, increasing and toning muscle mass, lengthening muscles and improving silhouette. Swimming allows us to burn up to 600 calories in an hour.
Makes our body stronger
The fifth of the benefits of swimming is that it makes our body more resistant because, on the one hand, it helps us develop a much greater lung capacity, acquiring a greater capacity for anaerobic endurance.
On the other hand, swimming has an impact on the strengthening of our bones, so our body in general is much stronger.
Gives greater flexibility
Swimming not only builds stronger muscles, but also improves the strength of connective tissues (e.g. ligaments and tendons) by increasing the stability of joints. In addition, exercising your joints increases the flexibility, strength and range of motion of the body.
Thanks to the fact that we use the extremities to practice it, swimming allows us to have greater mobility, exercising the joints. As a result, we become more flexible, which in turn increases our range of motion.
Gives greater flexibility
Swimming not only builds stronger muscles, but also improves the strength of connective tissues (e.g. ligaments and tendons) by increasing the stability of joints. In addition, exercising your joints increases the flexibility, strength and range of motion of the body.
Thanks to the fact that we use the extremities to practice it, swimming allows us to have greater mobility, exercising the joints. As a result, we become more flexible, which in turn increases our range of motion.
It favours the good functioning of the cardiorespiratory system.
Due to the exhaustive and coordinated control of the breathing that must be carried in the aquatic environment due to the lack of oxygen under the surface of the water, the organism learns to breathe in a more efficient and paused way, making the most of each inspiration and increasing the lung capacity in each swimming session, which is of great help for those who suffer respiratory problems.
Mainly, this causes a greater lung capacity and that our brain is oxygenated by what helps our cardiorespiratory system work properly, making it improve oxygen consumption up to 10% and the heart can boost the blood up to 18% more.
Eliminates back pain
More and more doctors and specialists are recommending hydrotherapy to combat certain muscular pains thanks to the flexibility acquired through its practice. In addition, the mere fact that our body floats makes our muscles, bones and joints are placed in place, eliminating possible injuries and pain. This is why it is a highly recommended exercise for those who suffer from hernias, lumbago or hip problems.
One of the areas most benefited in this respect is the back: swimming constantly can diminish or cure back pains and increase its flexibility.
Swimming is also used in therapies for people with motor problems. The benefits of swimming cause them to show progress in a short time.
The results of a study carried out over 12 years and which was disseminated indicate that strengthening the lumbar spine helps to eliminate pain in the lower back in 80% of cases.
