We already know that it is the star sport, but what exactly are the virtues of this discipline.

1. Helps prevent injuries

Of all the low-impact cross-training exercises—including cycling, the elliptical, and rowing—swimming with Online Lifeguard Certification causes the least biomechanical stress on the body due to its low impact on the joints, which It becomes the favorite of runners when it comes to avoiding or rehabilitating from an injury. But as we have said before, it helps prevent injuries, but it does not cure them.

2. Activates the circulatory system

When you exercise in a horizontal position, blood return is greater because the blood does not have to deal with gravity when moving through the body. In addition, when we swim, the water exerts a massage-like effect on the muscles, which activates the blood and promotes its circulation. If you suffer, for example, from tired legs or varicose veins, swimming is a good way to relieve heavy legs.



3. Promotes the development of greater resistance

Swimming increases lung capacity and strengthens bones, which translates into a more resistant organism. To build endurance in swimming it is essential to keep your heart rate constant throughout your workout, unlike speed training where you swim for short periods at maximum intensity followed by a fairly long rest to recover your heart rate.

4. Increases lung capacity

As blood return is greater, the heart pumps harder to keep blood circulating through the muscles. Many athletes achieve their VO2 max not on land, but in the pool. One way to increase cardiovascular effort when swimming is to introduce high-intensity intervals, such as 100-meter sprints with 10 seconds of rest in between. If you do series or fartlek when you run, then do something similar in the pool.

5. Improves mood

When we swim, as when we do any high-intensity activity such as running or cycling, we secrete chemicals known as endorphins that act as neurotransmitters and are responsible for activating feelings of happiness, fullness and even euphoria both during and after training.

6. Increases self-esteem

Swimming helps cells repair any brain damage at the molecular and behavioral level, markedly alleviating symptoms of depression. According to a study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), swimming, like other athletic disciplines, improves mood due to a considerable increase in blood circulation in the brain and its effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis -adrenal” (HPA), an essential part of the brain that controls stress.

7. Improve concentration

Another of the effects of swimming on the brain is that it favors the ability to concentrate on a task and mental clarity. That's because swimming activates both hemispheres of the brain along with all four lobes of the brain. This increases neuronal links and causes more oxygen to reach the brain, which translates into greater activation of the brain.

8. Helps fight muscle pain

More and more therapists are recommending swimming and hydrotherapy to combat certain muscular pains due to the flexibility that is acquired with their practice. In addition, the mere fact that our body floats causes our muscles, bones and joints to fall into place, eliminating possible injuries and pain.

9. Fight Chronic Diseases

As it is an aerobic sport that takes place over long periods of time, it lowers blood glucose levels, which produces greater sensitivity to insulin. In addition, swimming is a perfect exercise for people with high cholesterol as it helps lower its blood levels. In addition, swimming is very beneficial for people with asthma because it does not cause excessive chest pressure and is practiced in a humid environment.



Woman relaxing in the pool

10. It is a relaxing activity

Swimming is perfect when it is hot and running is not exactly what you want, but it is also very pleasant to swim in warm water during days of intense cold. Being an activity in the liquid medium, it is very relaxing. Along with a correct diet and hydration, the practice of swimming favors restful sleep and rest. It is a very pleasant physical activity of the Lifeguard Training Miami USA.

Learn more about swimming: HEALTH BENEFITS OF SWIMMING