Since childhood we have been told "Swimming is the best sport" or "It is the most complete physical activity". Curiously, or at least in my childhood, who affirmed that with absolute vehemence were not athletes, but my mother, who precisely did not know much about sports, although it is true that she swam, and nothing, it is glorious to see her. I would like to have her style. In her case, swimming was of course the best sport, because it was the only one she practiced, and only during the three months of the year that we spent the summer away from the madding crowd of the big city. My mother is not an athlete, but she was not wrong when she proclaimed to the four winds the virtues of swimming with Online Lifeguard Course. Let's see twenty of the many benefits that this sport brings and why it is so healthy in the daily life of anyone, from babies to the elderly. Everyone can find in swimming a way to improve their psychomotricity and the development and maintenance of their body. Especially if we are runners.

1. Strengthens muscles

When swimming we use most of the muscle groups in our body: the buttocks and hips to hit the water, the abdominals to twist and turn against the wall, the shoulders and arms to make the movement of the helix. Both the upper and lower body, as well as the trunk and head, are toned when they come into contact with the resistance of the water. The core is one of the strongest and you already know that having a strong core is good for much more than just having a nice figure. Strengthening these muscles increases chest mobility, which is key to maintaining good posture and reducing lower back pain. It helps to have a better footprint and therefore a better running technique .

2. Improve elasticity

The practice of swimming increases the flexibility and elasticity of the muscles. Thanks to the movements of the joints necessary for the practice of swimming, it is possible to acquire greater mobility and flexibility of the extremities, favoring the increase of our range of movement.

3. Produces low impact on the joints

Swimming is a low-impact sport that does not damage the spine or the joints. By floating through the water, it is easier on the joints than other contact sports. It is a soft discipline since the water cushions. This makes them less worn and better preserved. The density of water means that when we swim, the spine does not have to support the entire weight of the body.

4. Promotes coordination and agility

Swimming improves motor coordination. When a proper technique is followed, the improvement is impressive. You may not have a very refined style, in that case, it is always appropriate to take classes to get the most out of the pool. And the same, if you swim in open water.



5. Improve balance

Not only does it improve balance but it also helps to achieve a more efficient and faster reaction time. When practicing swimming, blood flow increases, and with this, as we will see later, memory is also greatly improved and learning is favored.

6. Prevents osteoporosis

Swimming is highly recommended for women who suffer from osteoporosis after menopause, since swimming makes our muscles work more, which in turn helps us achieve greater bone density.

7. Prevents and relieves back pain

Swimming is one of the best activities to strengthen and make your back more flexible , walk upright and not have cervical or lumbar pain. But not all styles are valid. If you suffer from back pain, swim on your back and avoid the breaststroke and butterfly.

8. Helps lose weight

When we practice swimming we can burn 500 to 1000 calories per hour. This energy consumption varies from one person to another, from one style to another, whether you swim in a pool or in open water or the temperature of the water. It is the perfect sport to maintain a slim and fit body.

9. A great cross-trainer for runners

Although sometimes you get lazy, especially in winter, swimming is one of the best sports to do cross training. In the water, there is almost no weight and our bones and ligaments can rest while activating upper and lower body muscles such as arms, obliques, hip flexors and abs.



10. It allows us to train when we get injured

It is perfect for when you have an injury such as plantar fasciitis or tendinitis. It helps to easily raise your heart rate and exercise all the muscles of the body, which is very useful for strengthening your arms and improving the efficiency of your arm strokes when running. However, while swimming of the Lifeguard Training Miami USA helps maintain fitness when you have an injury, it does not cure it. The best thing an injured runner can do to get back on their feet is to find the root cause of their injury and do specific strengthening exercises to correct it.

Learn more about swimming: What are the benefits of swimming?