Swimming is definitely one of the most complete sports out there . It is an aerobic exercise in which two thirds of the body's muscles are involved. Do you want to discover the best benefits of swimming? Continue reading.

First of all, it is a sport that improves resistance and flexibility . In addition, it can be practiced at any age and regardless of physical condition. Of course, the sooner you start, the lower the risk of injury and the greater the benefits for the body in the short and long term.

The best benefits of swimming

In 2017, a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine pointed to the multiple benefits of regular swimming with lifeguard training. Next, we share with you the most relevant ones.

1. It would be beneficial for bone health

This sport produces a low impact on the bones and joints because, by submerging the body in water, it "weighs less" since it is governed by the principle of buoyancy .

In this way, the body does not receive the impact of asphalt or hard surfaces that it faces when practicing other sports . For this reason, many medical specialists recommend swimming to recover from many injuries , especially those that have to do with a joint.

2. It would improve muscle flexibility

According to data from Harvard Health Publishing , practicing this sport would improve strength , endurance, and flexibility. With this, the elasticity would also improve.

When swimming, we use most of the muscle groups , both in the legs and in the arms. In this way, the joints would be more flexible and the muscles would be toned and strengthened, especially those of the back. For this reason, it would be a useful sport for people who suffer from:

• Hernias .
• low back pain

3. It would reduce the body fat index

This is one of the best benefits of swimming, in fact it is the reason why many people choose to practice this sport . With swimming it is estimated that between 500 and 600 calories could be burned for every hour spent swimming, of course depending on the intensity applied in the practice of the sport.

For this reason, doctors usually recommend the inclusion of swimming in the routines of those who start a weight loss program , of course accompanied by a change in eating habits.

4. It would fight chronic diseases

In this regard, an old study from 1993 pointed out that those paraplegics who practiced swimming for a long period of time managed to improve their levels of good cholesterol and, therefore, reduce the risk of heart disease. However, new investigations are necessary.

On the other hand, it is believed that swimming, like other low-impact sports, could improve some clinical symptoms of asthma , diabetes or hypercholesterolemia, and even reduce pain in people with multiple sclerosis . However, the scientific data in this regard are not conclusive.

5. It would improve cognitive activity

Swimming would also bring neural and cognitive benefits, that is, mental. When we practice this sport, we activate the two cerebral hemispheres and the four lobes of the brain .

This activation would seem to lead to increased cognition and some protection against a possible stroke, as observed in a long-term study in rats . Although the data is promising, we have found no evidence to support such a benefit in humans to date.

6. It would enhance the circulatory and respiratory system

Swimming with lifeguards training would improve oxygen consumption by up to 10% . According to a comparison of lung capacity with runners , this sport would give the greatest improvement.

In addition, it is estimated that the heart could push blood up to 18% more . This would be evidenced in a better circulation since the heart rate would decrease. On the other hand, breathing exercises would imply an increase in cardiorespiratory resistance .

7. Best benefits of swimming: psychological

By immersing ourselves in the water and concentrating on breathing, an immediate effect would be produced: the body would relax and the feeling of stress would be reduced . Research from the Australasian Journal on Aging suggests that it would improve mood and be beneficial for people with severe dementia, it is even believed that the symptoms of depression could also improve.

Best benefits of swimming, conclusion

Swimming is a very complete sports discipline that can promote health in many aspects. The best? It can be practiced by both children and older adults, as it is a low physical impact exercise that is also recreational.

Must Read: Swimming and its contributions to weight loss