When you think of exercise and getting into shape, a swimming pool is probably the last thing on your mind. However, maybe it is time you started considering swimming as a form of exercise. Actually, swimming is one of the best exercises for burning calories, boosting your metabolism and firming your body muscles.

Swimming is also an affordable form of exercise since all you need is a swim cap, swimsuit, and swimming goggles. You can easily burn up to 500 calories in an hour from swimming. With more effort and vigor, you can burn up to 800 calories in an hour. Water is almost 1000 times denser than air. This means that the pushing and kicking you do when swimming is a form of resistance workout. When you swim, you work your core, arms, hips, glutes, and shoulders.

Below are some tips to help make the most out of your swimming workout sessions.

Why Swimming is a Good Exercise

1. It is a full body exercise

When you swim, you exercise every part of your body. It sculpts your back and also tones your arms. This is a better way of working out as you do not need a plan where you work out different muscles of your body on different days as you would with other workout routines. All the strokes you use when swimming work to exercise every part of your body.

2. It protects your joints

If you are on your way to healing from an injury and want to build on your strength, swimming can be a great way to keep fit and help you to regain your strength. If you are doing other fitness routines, you can incorporate swimming to give your body a rest.

3. You don’t need expensive equipment  

Unlike most workout routines, swimming is an affordable way of working out. You do not spend a lot of money on equipment. You only need to invest in a swimming costume, a swimming cap and maybe swimming goggles. If you want to add more equipment such as the kickboard, it is available an affordable price. Local swimming locations also stock the boards, meaning you may not need to purchase the boards.

4. It is a good way of burning calories

Is swimming a good exercise? You have probably heard people say that swimming burns calories - this is actually true. One hour of swimming helps you burn up to 500 calories. This is because swimming speeds up your metabolism making it possible for your body to burn calories faster. The heightened metabolic rate continues long after you are out of the pool.

5. It offers a variety

When it comes to pool workouts, there’s a wide range of options to choose from. Aside from the four types of swimming strokes, you can also do pushups using the wall, kicks and also pulling exercises.

6. Idea for cross trainers     

When you take up swimming, it works to improve your workout abilities outside the pool environment. If you are training for a marathon, including swimming in your workout regimen will give you an extra edge over your competitors.

7. A good form of cardio   

Need to do cardio exercises? Swimming should be at the top of your list. This is because it gives you a chance to learn proper breathing control as it makes your muscles work harder to meet the oxygen demand in your body. This makes swimming a great way of achieving your cardio exercise goals over a shorter period of time than other forms of cardio.    

8. It is refreshing

You have to agree that jumping in a pool is one of the most fun things you can do. The best part is that you do not need to be an expert to enjoy this sport or benefit from it.

Swimming Styles and Strokes for the Best Workout

Is swimming a good exercise? We know it is! And you can do different varieties.

1. Backstroke

This style of swimming allows you to breathe normally when in the pool. This makes it the perfect stroke to start your swimming exercise with. It can also be used when you want to take a break from other swimming styles that minimize breathing time. This swimming style improves your posture as it works on your shoulders and back muscles.

• As much as possible, keep your body flat on the water surface when doing the backstroke. This ensures you do not slow down.
• Since you will be facing the ceiling or sky, you can identify markers that tell you how far you are from the wall at the end of your lane.

2. Freestyle

Freestyle is ideal if you are looking for a swimming technique that allows you to stretch your whole body at a go. With freestyle swimming, you get to work your triceps, shoulders, back, glutes, quadriceps as well as your hamstring.

3. Breaststroke

While this is one of the hardest swimming strokes to perfect, it is also one of the most relaxing. It helps you to learn how to control your pace. Breaststroke is a form of whole body workout. It is the ideal swimming style to use if you want to make slower laps.

NOTE: The backstroke is not meant for people with existing knee, neck or back injuries. This is because this swimming style can exacerbate the condition.

4. Butterfly Stroke

This is considered a difficult style to pull off and is physically demanding. However, it is an ideal stroke to use when you want to break off from the other swimming styles. Because of its difficulty, it is a perfect style to help with the burning of calories.

5. Using kickboards

Leg workout can be accomplished by learning how to maximize the efficiency and power of your kicks. Using kickboards is recommended as they make it possible for you to perfect your swim kicks without having to use your arms. Kickboards laps are recommended when you need a break from faster and harder swimming laps.

So, is swimming a good exercise? Yes, it is. Enjoy!