Swimming is a great activity that people of all ages from all over the world can enjoy, but how can it benefit you and your children?
You
As a working adult, it is difficult to find time to exercise, however, as many of us know, it is a necessary factor to healthy living.
Swimming is a low impact sport, meaning that it does not cause any damage to your joints, which can happen with other forms of exercise such as running. In addition, swimming works out all the major muscle groups in the body simultaneously.
This way you can set your mind to a fun activity and work out your whole body without having to use multiple machines at the gym!
If that isn’t motivation enough, swimming has multiple health benefits as well.
The US Water Fitness Association reports that swimming helps to improve muscle strength in addition to improving muscle stamina, which will assist you in performing other physical activities for a longer period of time. Also, it drastically improves cardiovascular health, strengthening your heart and encouraging healthy blood circulation.
On top of all these benefits, if you are looking to shed some extra weight, swimming burns 3 calories per pound of body mass which is a higher rate than many other exercises.
Also, if you have just undergone surgery, doctors recommend swimming as a form of rehabilitation to help speed up the recovery process.
However, it is important to consult your physician prior to beginning any form of physical activity.
Your Children
Swimming is one of the most fun types of physical exercise children can experience because it does not feel like a chore!
A range of different levels of exercise can be obtained in a pool. Even if your kids are just messing about, they are still getting a work out without realizing it, kicking and splashing around in the water helps to tone and stretch muscles.
“All of the children who take swimming classes love it,” says Luciana Rolesu, a swimming coach from Swim London. “Most of them come early or stay late because they can’t get enough of the water,” she continued.
In addition, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States advises that swimming is a therapeutic exercise that relieves anxiety and improves the mood. It also aids children with developmental issues to develop long-term bonds with their family or their instructors.
Swimming can also relieve certain, common, respiratory ailments such as asthma and has been proven to benefit children suffering from juvenile arthritis.
Other benefits include:
- Allowing children to building confidence by working towards goals
- Creating a healthy relationship with water may prevent dangerous occurrences, such as drowning, from taking place
- Teaching children a life-long skill
And most importantly, it is a great activity for the whole family!
For more information on swimming benefits, or if you are interested in signing up for swimming classes please visit www.swimlondon.co.uk