swimming BENEFITS! exercise fun!

The benefits of swimming are enormous! Swimming can be counted as both aerobic and anaerobic. Swimming requires constant body movements to stay afloat which in a sense is cardio training all while pushing and pulling against the density of water which in a sense is strength training. Water also keeps your body from overheating. Because water is surrounding your body, it is continuously cooling your body depleting the heat more efficiently than if you were on dry land.

Speaking of dry land exercising in the water is also much easier on your body than dry land exercising! The buoyancy of your body keeps you from bodily injury from high-impact activities such as running or weight training. Running and weight training can be very hard on your joints and back all while developing a higher risk of muscle tears.
Speaking of injury water exercising can also help you recover from injury all while keeping fit during your recuperation! Because of its low impact properties, you can begin therapeutic recovery without overstressing an injury. Aquatic therapy is a very popular preference in the professional sports world and among physical therapist. 

Swimming and exercising in the water targets your entire body from your arms and legs to your back, glutes, and core. Swimming and exercising in the water improves and increases flexibility, strength, endurance, circulation, and heart & lungs. When swimming with your face under water, your body learns to efficiently use more oxygen while expelling carbon dioxide which in turn increases your lung capacity, endurance, and blood & oxygen circulation. As a bonus, these benefits can make you a better land runner, weightlifter, and overall athlete.
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There are many ways to exercise in the water including water running and walking, water yoga, flexibility and stretching exercises, using water fitness products and of course lap swimming. Of course, you do not need to call you water exercising “exercising.” Being in the water is supposed to be fun, and as an added benefit you are getting exercise. Just being social with family and friends in the pool, playing water volleyball or basketball, jumping off the diving board, or just plain messing around will be beneficial.