Achieve Fitness by Swimming

U.S. Men's 2012 Olympic Swim Team 

The London 2012 Olympics got me thinking about different exercise programs for fitness. Swimming is an often overlooked fitness approach that has some benefits.

Swimming is an option for those who are injured with reduced exercise options. Here are some reasons to consider a swimming program for exercise.


1.  Swimming is probably the gentlest aerobic exercise available to you!  Unlike jogging, aerobic dancing, or even brisk walking, it doesn't damage your joints, bones, or feet.  If you are overweight, have joint problems, or have been injured, this is the perfect exercise for you.  It's great for people with arthritis as it improves the body's fitness without pressure, which could make some ailments worse.

2.  The water in the pool is a form of resistance, and as your body moves through the water, the resistance improves your muscle tone.  Your body becomes more flexible and your cardio fitness also improves.

3.  Take a class at your a local YMCA, gym, or health club.  Even public pools offer classes.  You may not need many lessons to relearn the proper way to do the different strokes, but having these lessons can make your swimming workout more effective.  Learn a variety of strokes so you can vary your workouts as your fitness increases.

4.  Find different places for your swimming workouts.  You can chose to go to a public pool, swim outdoors, go to the local YMCA, or a community center.  Maybe you have a friend who has their own pool!  Vary your routine so sometimes you are swimming indoors and other times you are swimming outdoors where you can enjoy nature.

5.  If you are extremely out of shape, learn strokes that are not as intense as others.  As you gain in fitness, you can add more strenuous strokes and vary your workout.

6.  As with any exercise program, be sure to check with your doctor before you begin.  Even if you have a health concern that precludes other exercise regimes, you might be able to begin swimming with the aid of a kickboard, paddles, or flippers.  This is also true if you have recently been injured and are still recovering.  There is no reason you cannot begin an exercise regime, with the consent of your doctor, to decrease the time it takes to recover and begin getting your body totally in shape.

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