| Swimming is a popular sport and recreational | | | | work harder resulting in toned upper arms, |
| activity that dates back to prehistoric times. It is | | | | shoulders and legs.o Increases cardiovascular |
| believed that cave paintings from the Stone Age | | | | fitness- Your heart rate decreases 10 beats per |
| show people using swimming as part of a ritual. In | | | | minute when you are in water. This may be due |
| the Middle Ages swimming was one of the seven | | | | to a lower body temperature or less gravitational |
| agilities of knights, which included swimming in | | | | pull, but the result is an exercise that improves |
| armor. Different civilizations held swimming | | | | circulation without overworking your heart.o Low |
| contests throughout history leading up to the first | | | | impact exercise- Swimming and water aerobics |
| Olympic Games held in 1896 which had six | | | | can help many people who otherwise would not |
| scheduled swimming events. It would appear that | | | | be able to reap the benefits of regular exercise. |
| our ancestors understood the value of swimming | | | | Individuals recovering from certain injuries, |
| to improve strength and stamina, however it is | | | | pregnant women, overweight or elderly individuals |
| unclear if they fully comprehended the additional | | | | benefit from this low impact activity. |
| health benefits associated with swimming. | | | | Beyond the physical benefits, swimming also |
| The following health benefits make swimming an | | | | provides many psychological benefits. People who |
| excellent exercise option for people of all ages | | | | use swimming as part of their exercise routine |
| and fitness levels.o Reduced risk of injury- When | | | | report a higher energy level, reduced stress, |
| you are in water your body weight is 1/10 of | | | | increased self esteem and improved mental |
| what it would be on land. This reduces the stress | | | | attitude. |
| on your bones, connective tissues and joints | | | | Now that you understand the many health |
| making it possible to gain the health benefits of | | | | benefits gained from swimming, you might be |
| exercise without the risk of injury associated with | | | | wondering how to get started. Many people who |
| exercise outside of water.o Swimming is a whole | | | | know how to swim, do not necessarily know the |
| body workout- One of the reasons swimming is | | | | proper techniques. To gain the maximum health |
| considered a good exercise is the fact that you | | | | benefits from swimming, experts advice |
| use almost all of your major muscle groups when | | | | beginners to join a swim group within your |
| you swim. Water resistance is greater than air | | | | community or hire a swim coach. |
| resistance which means your muscles have to | | | | |