Is swimming good for you? 10 reasons to go swimming!

Why is swimming good for you?

You hear many people say that swimming with lifeguard training is good for you. This is no lie, but what makes swimming so healthy? Of course you want to hear substantiation that supports this claim.

Here are ten reasons that convince you to go swimming:

Swimming makes you lose weight

Do you want to lose weight? You are far from the only one with this wish. According to Statistics Netherlands , around 50 percent of adults and Dutch people are overweight. So it's high time to get moving.

To lose weight you will have to burn calories (or eat fewer calories of course). Do you want to burn a lot of calories per hour? Then swimming is the perfect sport for you. 

Swimming is good for your fitness

Swimming is a sport in which you mainly train your fitness. Just like running/ walking and cycling, swimming is a cardio sport. Although you also train your muscles while swimming, you will read more about this later.

But how come you build up your fitness by swimming? This is because you gradually increase your lung capacity. You will notice that you build up a little extra condition every training. Challenge yourself and try to give every training that little bit extra.

Swimming is good for your back

Swimming puts a lot less strain on your back than many other sports. Do you ever run? Then you know what kind of blows you get on the back. Or think about the posture during golf or hockey.

Not ideal for your back at all.

Especially the backstroke (What's in the name) is very suitable to train your back. In addition, warm water ensures good blood circulation, which reduces any pain in your back. Even people with a herniated disc can swim without pain.

Swimming is good for your brain

Swimming is good for your brain, but why is it so important to stimulate your brain through exercise?

According to Professor of Neuropsychology Erik Scherrer, the brain consists of white and gray matter. The bodies of your brain cells make up the gray matter. The white matter connects the cells to each other.

The white matter, which you produce by swimming, ensures that you:

• think flexibly.
• solves problems.
• takes initiative.
• and are motivated.

Scherrer's main message is: 'Move for your white matter, the connections and your immune system. 'It's not always easy to get yourself going, but it's important that you keep making an effort, especially in these times.'

Swimming lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease

According to the Hart Foundation, 'moving works wonders'. We certainly agree. Every form of exercise is good for lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol level and thus the risk of cardiovascular disease. Swimming is also very safe!

Swimming is also suitable for you when you have an injury

Swimming is a so-called low-impact sport. Are you recovering from a nasty injury? Then you can no longer do most sports. But don't worry, you can go for a swim.

For people in rehabilitation , swimming is the perfect sport. The chance of injuries is much less compared to many other sports (Although the chance is not that great in chess and checkers either.)

Swimming reduces stress

Water lowers your stress. You relax your muscles in it and the water gives you a nice feeling. In addition, you produce endorphins, dopamine and serotonin while swimming with lifeguards training. These substances ensure that you are less stressed and that you feel better. Who wouldn't want that?!

Fun fact: the substance endorphins is also called the fastest-acting anti-stress hormone. The substance stops a stress response within less than a minute.

You sleep better when you've been swimming

Are you also so tired after a day at the swimming pool? Exactly how this happens cannot be said with certainty.

It is a fact that making physical effort helps to get a good night's sleep. Challenge yourself in the pool, and sleep like a baby!

Looking for an extra challenge? Then a counter-current swimming pool is really something for you.

Swimming is just great fun!

Maybe not the best reason from this list, but the fun you have while getting healthier is very important.

Swimming is just a nice and fun sport. If you do not enjoy the chosen sport, you will not last long and your health gain will only be short-lived.

Must Read: Swimming: Is it really that healthy?