5 Ways Swimming is Good for Women

Swimming is a comprehensive, all-body workout that can be good for many aspects of mind-body health. The many benefits associated with swimming can even provide an added incentive to invest in a backyard swimming pool if you don’t already have one. Practically anyone can reap the many rewards associated with regular swimming. Today, San Diego Pools is going to focus on five benefits of swimming for women.

1. Swimming Reduces Stress & Anxiety

According to ScienceDaily, 20 to 25 percent of women report daily psychological stress. Fortunately, family-related concerns, work pressures, and other daily distractions and demands can easily be forgotten while swimming. Regular swimming also boosts the release of “feel-good” hormones called endorphins that can elevate mood. Swimming is also a peaceful and relaxing experience that can naturally ease anxiety, tension, and stress.

2. Swimming Can Be Good for Women with Multiple Sclerosis

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that’s more common in women than men. Because water is buoyant, women with MS can get a beneficial workout from swimming without experiencing added joint, bone, and muscle pressure. In fact, water reduces pressure on these structures by as much as 90 percent. A 2012 study referenced by the National Institutes of Health suggests people with MS may also experience lower pain levels with regular swimming.

3. Swimming Boosts Muscle Mass

Older women are at increased risk for developing issues with low bone density. Swimming as a form of regular exercise can boost muscle mass naturally in a way that also takes stress off bones and joints, which could result in fewer problems with muscle and joint issues that tend to be more prevalent later in life. Additionally, swimming on a regular basis has the potential to add more muscle tone and definition to arms, the upper body area, and thighs. Also, despite being a low-impact form of exercise, swimming can build core strength as well.

4. It’s Generally Safe to Swim While Pregnant

You’ll want to check with your doctor first before adopting any type of exercise routine during pregnancy. That being said, swimming is generally considered safe while pregnant. In fact, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists calls it one of the safest forms of exercise for women during pregnancy. There’s also research suggesting women who swim during the middle stages of pregnancy may have a lower risk of preterm labor and related congenital defects.

5. Swimming Is a Highly Flexible Form of Exercise

If you’re a woman who likes to switch things up with exercise to keep from getting bored, swimming is for you. Even the simple act of changing the strokes you use while swimming allows you to target different muscle groups. It’s also a form of exercise that fits in perfectly with other workout routines. For example, if you prefer the low-intensity steady-state (LISS) method of cardiovascular exercise, using the breaststroke allows swimming to fit right into this type of workout. Strokes can also be modified or changed if you have limitations due to chronic pain or injuries.

For women of all ages who are looking for the perfect way to boost physical fitness levels, swimming can be the ideal choice. As one of the premier swimming pool companies, San Diego Pools can create a custom pool for you that offer a great way to exercise as well as a place to relax and get away from it all. Give us a call today at 888-707-7786.