Do you look forward to hitting the water in the warm summer months? A day of sun and waves can be a great way to relax, but it can also be a wonderful way to exercise. Whether at the lake or the neighborhood pool, getting the chance to enjoy a solid workout while soaking up the summer sun is one of the many benefits of swimming for seniors.
What Makes Swimming Such an Effective Exercise for Senior Bodies?
If you’re used to thinking of swimming as a leisure activity, you might not consider it an opportunity to sneak in a workout. But believe it or not, swimming is one of the most effective low-impact aerobic exercises anybody can participate in. Because it takes place in a zero-gravity environment, swimmers can exercise vigorously without injury to their joints, allowing workouts to be longer and pain-free. The fact that swimming can give you a complete body workout without harming your joints is one of many reasons that swimming is recommended for senior bodies in particular. Do you know the benefits of swimming for seniors?
Swimming Can Reduce Your Fall Risk
Wise seniors know that improving their balance is an excellent way to lower their fall risk. Because swimming is a resistance training exercise, it can significantly increase a senior’s muscle mass, strengthening their core and other critical muscles involved with balance. A more muscular body is more likely to stay on its feet and less likely to experience a catastrophic injury in the case of a fall. If your doctor has recommended that you work on reducing your fall risk, swimming is a great way to get started.
Swimming Is Good for Your Heart
Heart health should also be a priority for seniors, as issues like high blood pressure and poor circulation become more common as we age. Swimming helps because it’s a cardiovascular exercise that can strengthen your circulatory system, lowering your risk of strokes and other adverse health events. Swimming can also help you maintain a healthy weight, reducing your overall heart disease risk and leading to better health in general.
Swimming Improves Your Sleep
Did you know that nearly half of all seniors struggle to get a good night’s sleep? If you’re one of them, swimming might be the answer you’re looking for. Reducing pain and improving your sleep cycle are two changes that can make sleeping much easier for seniors. Regular exercise can improve your body’s circadian rhythm, and low-impact exercises like swimming can help with chronic pain conditions like arthritis. If you’re looking for a good night’s sleep, start with a swim.
Swimming Can Make You Happier
Swimming is good for your body but can also do great things for your mind. Because swimming is fun and a good source of rigorous exercise, it’s an effective mood booster. Many regular swimmers report feeling less anxious and more relaxed after a day at the pool. Swimming can also create other psychological benefits for seniors, like providing opportunities to socialize and make new friends through classes and meet-ups. You can even try a relaxing activity like water yoga for all of the mental benefits without the physical exertion.
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Now that you know the benefits of swimming for seniors, make this summer the season you give it a try. Find a swimming class at a local gym, or just hit the beach with some friends!
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