Swimming and other activities in water are not just a sport.
They also provide excellent prophylactics against many ailments. They play a rehabilitating role in many civilizational diseases. Regular swimming has a positive influence on our health and well-being as well as our performance and muscles. It is actually hard to find a similar form of exercise, which has such an excellent effect on our body, and which does not overstrain our joints at the same time.
- Correction of defects in the posture of children and youth:
Problems with posture and spine are problems which often affect our children, therefore swimming is recommended for people who suffer from them. The respective swimming strokes have various applications, e.g. the free style called overarm stroke and the back stroke allow adverse changes in the lumbar spine to be influenced and help in the struggle against scoliosis or even flat feet. On the other hand, the butterfly stroke strengthens the spinal muscles. The support of the treatment of posture defects through swimming is possible as this type of physical activity shapes the so called muscular corset. - Improvement of the mobility and flexibility of joints:
During swimming our joints are completely relieved as our body is in water. In fact this is how we increase the mobility and flexibility of our joints. Our body is able to perform a greater number of longer movements than it normally would during other activities. Therefore, swimming is an indispensable element of rehabilitation after suffering from knee or ankle joint injuries. - The stretching and relaxation of muscles:
Swimming ensures the perfect biological regeneration for our muscles. During physical effort, lactic acid often appears in the muscles, causing aching. Recreational swimming will allow for their removal, and a fatigued body will recover faster after the effort. More importantly, when swimming the body is light, therefore we will not overstrain our organism. - The release of endorphins - the hormones of happiness:
Scientific research has confirmed that people who regularly go to the swimming pool, less often suffer from depression, get angry or feel anxiety. All this is thanks to the hormones of happiness, that is, endorphins. It has been proven that each of us produces them even during the slightest physical effort. Endorphins also work as a painkiller, thus, it is worth swimming regularly as this is the natural way to increase your level of happiness and joy. - A necessary element in the treatment and rehabilitation of civilisational diseases:
Swimming and other forms of activity counteract and help in the treatment of the more and more prevalent civilisational diseases. These include ailments of the osteoarticular system, cardiovascular system or muscle pains - the most frequent problems. Owing to adequate training or activity in water, we can perform general physical exercises which strengthen and stretch our muscles, making them more flexible. The water environment enables the performance of exercises which may be impossible to perform in the gym, which is of great importance for the elderly. - Reduction in blood pressure and the control of cholesterol:
Frequent contact with water allows for better control of cholesterol. As research conducted at the Toledo University has demonstrated, swimming increases the amount of “good” HDL cholesterol and keeps the level of “bad” LDL cholesterol within the acceptable limits. On the other hand fast swimming improves metabolism for many hours. Swimming is also recommended for people who have suffered from a cardiac arrest, as it stimulates the circulatory system and consequently reduces the blood pressure. - Strengthening of the circulatory system:
Regular use of the swimming pool has an excellent effect on your heart and circulatory system. Research has demonstrated that the risk of cardiac attack in people who swim three times a week - 60 minutes in each case, is lower by as much as 26%. The more intense blood flow strengthens the blood vessels of muscles and the fibres of the heart muscle. Owing to this, they become stronger, more flexible and thicker, and at the same time the arterial blood pressure is decreased. - Increase in the efficiency of your body:
Research performed by the USA Fitness Association has demonstrated that swimming as a sports discipline gives more benefits than other sports. Swimming for just 30 minutes burns more calories than other activities on land. Swimming also improves the ventilation of the lungs. Thanks to regular swimming, the maximum oxygen consumption which is their measure of efficiency, may increase by as much as 11% after 10 weeks. In comparison, running on a treadmill will only improve this parameter by 1.5%. - Facilitation of the burning of calories and reduction in fat tissue:
During swimming, water creates resistance, which requires a lot of strength to overcome. Even only an hour’s visit to the pool results in the burning of about 600 kcal. At the same time we develop our muscles and reduce waist circumference. Swimming also results in the reduction of cellulite. It is recommended to swim in several styles. Thanks to this, our whole body will be stimulated to work, which will facilitate the reduction in fat tissue.
