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Is swimming healthy? 3 important things you should know

by Lilly Schuster

swim-healthy
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Most people know that swimming is associated with various positive health aspects. However, the details of these advantages and possible disadvantages of the sport are often less talked about.

How healthy is swimming?

Discover the various benefits of swimming and find out what disadvantages and risks need to be considered in the pool.

Healthy swimming in facts, figures and data

  • Swimming is a good workout for both children and adults.
  • The right swimming technique is essential. It can help to book a place on a swimming course that can teach important basics and tips and correct technique.
  • Compared to other sports, such as running, swimming is characterized by its particularly gentle nature.

Why is swimming healthy?

swim-healthy-why

Most people have probably heard that swimming is very healthy and suitable for many people. Many studies have also investigated the positive effects of the sport on a person’s body and mind.

For example, it was found that the mortality rate for swimmers is lower than for other groups of people, such as joggers. Other health benefits include

1 Swimming is good for general fitness

One of the reasons why swimming is such a healthy sport is its many positive effects on health. Swimming offers a comprehensive workout that can significantly improve a person’s general fitness:

  • Effective strength training for all muscle groups reinforced by the water resistance
  • Versatile, for example through different swimming styles
  • Endurance training
  • Suitable for losing weight thanks to high calorie consumption
  • Promotes flexibility and mobility
  • Good for the cardiovascular system, respiratory muscles and lungs
  • Promotes blood circulation and gets the circulation going

2 Swimming is relatively gentle and safe

Swimming is known to be a sport that even injured, elderly or pregnant people can enjoy. The reason for this is the buoyancy of the water, which ensures that a person’s joints and spine are relieved when swimming.

In addition, the risk of injury is significantly lower when swimming compared to other sports. This means that the sport may also be suitable for the following groups of people:

  • Overweight people
  • People with joint or back problems
  • Pregnant persons
  • People with diseases such as MS (multiple sclerosis) or osteoarthritis
  • People who need rehabilitation sports
Good to know: Although swimming can be suitable for many groups of people, a doctor should be consulted beforehand if you have any health problems. This ensures that the sport is suitable for the individual situation.

3 Swimming can improve your mood and reduce stress

Swimming can have a positive effect not only on physical health, but also on mental and spiritual health. The regular movements and breathing require maximum concentration, so that people can think of nothing else while swimming. Some people compare the effect that swimming has on them to that of yoga.

Many people find the water environment alone relaxing. The water allows people to be completely in the present with their thoughts and to detach themselves from everyday worries for a short time.

The exercise and relaxation of swimming can help to reduce stress. The exercise can also cause the body to release endorphins and improve the swimmer’s mood.

What are the disadvantages and risks associated with swimming?

swimming-healthy-disadvantages

Even though swimming is a very healthy sport, there are of course some risks. Despite its versatility, swimming is not suitable for everyone. So if you are thinking of taking up swimming, you should be aware of the following disadvantages and risks.

Caution with illnesses

While swimming is a good way to keep fit for some illnesses and physical limitations, this is not the case for everyone. Special care should be taken, for example, if you have heart problems or high blood pressure. Swimming may also be unsuitable for people with skin problems, especially in swimming pools, due to the chlorine content in the water.

Incorrect technique & overloading

The technically correct execution of the swimming styles usually differs significantly from what most recreational swimmers understand by swimming. Incorrect technique can lead to overloading, for example of the knee joints, and pain.

Those who rely too heavily on aids such as paddles or exceed their own limits are also exposed to the risk of overloading.

Lack of proximity to everyday life

The movements performed while swimming have little to do with the demands placed on the body in everyday life. This includes, for example, being able to catch yourself well in the event of a fall. However, these skills are essential for older people in particular, which is why swimming should be supplemented by another sport.

Frequently asked questions and answers

Is swimming every day good for your health?

It is best to start with about 3 swims per week. This can be increased after some time.

Is swimming healthy for your back?

With the correct technique and execution, swimming is healthy for the back. Backstroke is particularly suitable here.

Are there any health disadvantages to swimming?

Swimming with the wrong technique can lead to overexertion or other pain. The sport may be unsuitable for people with heart or skin problems, for example.

People also need to be aware that swimming is not sufficient preparation for many of the stresses and strains of everyday life.

Sources

Lilly Schuster

Expert for swimming, ice skating and winter sports
Lilly has spent many hours of her life on ice skates. When she's not sitting at her laptop studying, she likes to be out and about in nature or enjoying the icy winter air while ice skating and skiing.

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