What Are The Health Benefits Of Swimming?

Swimming is a popular form of exercise that is fun and relaxing for many people. Swimming is also great for both your physical and mental health. According to Livestrong, this form of exercise is great for people who need a quiet moment in the day to rejuvenate themselves. "The water gives you a personal thinking chamber where you can escape reality," said Jenny McCuiston, co-founder of Goldfish Swim School. "No outside noises or problems. It's just you in the water."

Swimming is a great way to work your entire body and strengthen your muscles. Pool water offers a natural resistance that will force your muscles to work hard during every stroke, which will build and tone them over time. And because water cushions the entire body, swimming is a great exercise for people with arthritis, joint pain, or other health issues that make it difficult to participate in high-impact activities. It is good for your heart as well, giving you an intense cardiovascular workout that will strengthen your heart and lungs. It may even help you live longer. The CDC has found that swimmers have about half the risk of death as inactive individuals (via CDC). If you have access to a pool, it's a good idea to swim a few laps when you can.

While there are many reasons to get into swimming, it isn't the best exercise for everyone. If you are someone who likes to listen to loud music while working out, for example, you may not be able to do this while swimming unless you have great waterproof headphones. People who are sensitive to chlorine may also have a hard time swimming in pools, as most are treated with this chemical to keep bacteria at bay (via Sportsver). Even when pools are cleaned regularly, swimmers are still prone to a few infections, including athlete's foot and yeast infections.

The main downside of swimming is that this exercise requires access to a body of water in the first place. While many gyms and recreation centers have pools, those places may cost more than a small gym without as many amenities. Ultimately, swimming is a great exercise that people should look into doing more often if they're interested. However, like any sport, it comes with some risks and potential downsides that you should be aware of.