Exercise and fun — two words you don’t usually see together! How to get fit and have fun in your pool is something that the swimming pool contractors from Tipton Pools in Knoxville, TN talk with new and long-time pool owners about all the time.
Swimming is an ideal exercise; it’s low impact and a great cardio workout. When you don your bathing suit and jump in the pool — whether you’re frolicking with friends and family or swimming laps, it just seems like fun! Swimming is an exercise that can be done even by people who suffer joint pain and need to avoid exercise that could cause jarring to the bones and joints.
Why a swimming workout?
Does it hurt to jog or run? Do you like the idea of helping your heart while undertaking a low impact sport? Does the idea of exercising in the heat of a summer day while immersed in the cool depths of a pool appeal or would you rather jog or ride a bike in hot, sticky weather?
If you are a runner or biker or workout at the gym you may want to take a break and exercise in a way that won’t cause extra stress or strain on your bones and joints. Adding swimming into your weekly workout routine a few days a week will work other muscles and joints without causing any potential for injury.
Swim benefits
Regular swimming:
- Builds endurance
- Enhances muscle strength
- Benefits your heart
- Increases lung capacity
Swimming burns calories at a rate of about three calories per mile per pound of bodyweight. If you weigh 150 pounds and it takes 30 minutes to swim one mile, you’ll burn about 900 calories in an hour. That is a fast rate of swimming and not everyone — or that many people — swim that quickly. It is more about quality of working out than quantity when you’re in a pool.
Swimming can be social.
Take a water aerobics class. Invite friends over to swim laps or play in pool games. Practice relaxation techniques while you swim. Focus on your breathe and your swim strokes. Feel the water slicing over your body, feel the heat of the sun and let your mind wander while you swim laps.
There are so many benefits that can be reaped when you swim a few laps!