The Mayo Clinic says, “swimming may be the best workout you aren’t doing.”
In fact, they call the swimming pool “the great equalizer,” where people of all ages and abilities can get in a fun workout.
Did you know that workout can consist of much more than swimming laps? Even if you aren’t a swimming, there’s a pool exercise for you. The folks at the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program recommend using the pool to explore both aerobics and resistance training.
In this article, we look at how the pool is a great place to burn calories in more ways than one.
Swimming is Low Impact
Swimming is especially easy on the joints. Not only does swimming burn calories, but it’s so low impact anyone can do it. From children to seniors, swimming has something to offer anyone, even those recovering from injuries and suffering from arthritis.
Swimming is Good for Your Whole Body
Many of us do multiple exercises. You may run and lift weights, or add core on some days.
With swimming, you’ve got the whole body covered: arms, legs, core, and cardio. You’ll burn calories like no other sport.
And, if you tire of swimming laps, you can add in resistance training and even water aerobics.
You Get Cardio and Strength Training in the Pool
Not only do you get a cardiovascular workout, but you get strength training whenever you are moving in the pool. Because the water makes you feel light, you can take care of bones, muscles, and joints while you work out with a resistance workout.
Water is Often Recommended
Doctors and physical therapists often recommend swimming as the perfect calorie-burning exercise that is safe to do when recovering from an injury.
It’s often the workout of choice for elite athletes, too.
Water is Therapeutic
Just like a hot tub, the water in your swimming pool is therapeutic. It just feels good to be in a pool, so swimming can boost endorphins and make you feel so much better every day.
Water is Resistant
Since water is nearly 800 times denser than air, you can build muscles faster as you glide through the water. Some experts even believe water workouts are more effective at building muscles than land workouts.
Water Buoyancy Protects You
It’s fun to be weightless, and the buoyancy of the water helps anyone with an injury and those with chronic illness. People over 50 appreciate aquatic exercise as it’s easier on the joints.
Final Thoughts
Mix up your pool workout. Swim some laps, use weights, or just use the water for some deep end jogging. You can even jump out and do some pushups, planks and lunges.
Explore your pool, check YouTube for water workout videos, and you’ll soon find you’re well on your way to burning more calories and having a blast doing it!
Photo by Efe Kurnaz on Unsplash
