So what counts as \u2018good\u2019 exercise?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In order to reap the benefits of exercise, we need to be engaging in an activity that raises our heart rate, makes us breathe faster and get warmer. The exercise needs to engage our bodies to a moderately intense level, where we could still chat a little but wouldn\u2019t be able to sing! If we can do exercise that raises the level of intensity to vigorous, where we wouldn\u2019t be able to say more than a few words without pausing for breath, our health could benefit even more.
Examples of exercise that could be classed as \u2018good\u2019 include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brisk walking
Running
Cycling
Dancing
Tennis
Hiking
\u2026and, of course, swimming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How much do we need to exercise?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Health advice states that adults should aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity a week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Swimming is a great form of exercise. It would usually be classed as a moderate\u2013vigorous\u2013intensity activity, meaning you\u2019ll be reaping fantastic health benefits as well as having a good time. Here are the reasons we think swimming is one of the very best forms of exercise:<\/p>\n\n\n\n As opposed to many other forms of exercise, which focus on working out a single muscle group or area of your body, swimming provides exercise benefits to your whole body. Its holistic nature is one of the reasons it could be thought of as the best form of exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many people find themselves excluded from sports such as running because their knees can\u2019t withstand the impact, or similarly from tennis because of injuries to their arms or shoulders. But swimming is gentle, with no high impact on any area of your body. Although it is thought of as a cardio form of exercise, you\u2019ll be giving all your major muscle groups a good workout. So it\u2019s also an effective way to tone yourself up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Swimming benefits the heart and helps to keep blood pressure normalized, helping to lower the risk of heart attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Swimming is one of the best exercises for improving your flexibility. Rather than making muscles bulk up, it lengthens and stretches them, helping you feel sleek and bendy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Studies have shown that swimming is particularly good at strengthening the lungs. A good breathing technique is an important part of swimming, and it\u2019s good to know you\u2019re giving yourself an internal workout as well!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Have you ever noticed how incredibly hungry you feel after going for a swim? That\u2019s because it\u2019s a sport that burns a huge amount of calories. So if you\u2019re looking for a time-effective way to slim down, swimming could be your best option \u2013 it helps to actually increase your metabolism, meaning you burn calories and lose weight more effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many people who would like to exercise more, who get really put off at the thought of getting very hot and sweaty. Swimming is a great way around this problem. Especially in the summer, swimming can be hugely refreshing. You could do a workout where you push yourself really hard \u2013 but rather than feel embarrassingly sweat-soaked, you\u2019ll feel pumped up and ready for the rest of your day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Swimming is more inclusive than most sports. Whatever your age or ability, the lack of impact on joints and the gentle support of the water means you can give it a go without worrying about injuring yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While some sports require a huge amount of expensive gear, you can get started with swimming with just a small amount of basic equipment. The Edge Sports stocks a great selection of swimming supplies<\/a>, most importantly, swimming costumes. <\/a> Many people find that swimming is a great way to tone the mind as well as the body. Swimming means you have to focus on your body in the here and now in order to stay afloat; your breathing plays a huge part in finding your rhythm. At The Edge Sports, we think swimming is definitely one of the best forms of exercise. As with anything though, there are some downsides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some would-be swimmers are put off by the logistics of swimming. Where a run might fit neatly into your lunch hour, getting into your costume, getting to the pool, and then getting washed, dry, and changed afterwards can all feel like a lot of effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019d be swimming in a chlorinated pool, you might find that your skin becomes dry or sensitive to exposure to the chemicals. It can also feel unpleasant to breathe it in for some people. However, with the ever-increasing popularity of wild swimming, we\u2019d suggest there are plenty of non-chlorine swimming options out there to explore!<\/p>\n\n\n\n For those that can\u2019t swim already, learning to swim could feel like a barrier to using swimming as their workout. Rather than simply start running, they will need to invest in proper swimming classes and learn a good technique, in order to get the benefits of swimming. ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2023\/06\/Relaxed-lady-in-swimming-pool-1024x683.jpg\")
What are the benefits of swimming?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Full-body cardio workout<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Little impact on your joints<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
So it\u2019s great for maintaining your overall health and carries a lower risk of injury than many other activities. Plus it\u2019s particularly valuable for those recovering from injuries sustained from other sports, those who aren\u2019t used to exercising, and those who are overweight and need to be careful not to overload their bodies.<\/p>\n\n\n\nUses all the major muscle groups<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Excellent aerobic exercise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Improves your flexibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Strengthens your lungs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Burns lots of calories<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cools you down<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s an all-ages and abilities sport<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s relatively accessible to all<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Beyond a swimming costume, you may want a pair of goggles<\/a> if you are swimming in a chlorinated pool; if you\u2019re going wild swimming you might consider investing in a wetsuit too.
Swim gloves, shoes, and sunglasses can all come in handy depending on the conditions you are swimming in. But there\u2019s no need for an enormous financial outlay in order to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s a mindful way to exercise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It all adds up to a calm and meditative experience \u2013 especially when compared with the potentially loud sensory overload of some other forms of exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2023\/06\/rear-view-man-preparing-swimming-goggles-1024x683.jpg\")
Are there any downsides to swimming?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Takes a little time and effort<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Chlorine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Learning to swim<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
However, there are lots of classes available, and there\u2019s no time like the present to get learning! It\u2019s a skill for life.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAre you thinking of getting into swimming?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n