Johann Strauss, Virgin Active’s National Swim Manager is here with some great info about why swimming should be a big part of your summer exercise routine.
Swimming is perfect for summer and what better way to cool off than to take a refreshing dip? It doesn’t matter whether it’s at the beach or your local Virgin Active pool, the long sunny days are a perfect excuse to take to the water.
But swimming isn’t just fun and a great way to cool down, it’s also very good for your health, and while you’re splashing about, you’re actually doing wonders for your body.
Virgin Active is home to the biggest network of pools in the country. Whether you fancy a Sunday afternoon splish splash with the kids or you’re training for an event… we’ve got what you’re after. More about swimming at Virgin Active.
The benefits of swimming
🏊The buoyancy of the water counteracts the force of gravity, making swimming a perfect low-impact sport that puts little stress on bones and joints.
🏊If you swim for at least 20 minutes straight, keeping up a constant rhythm and speed, it is an aerobic exercise, which helps improve general fitness, stimulates the metabolism and burns fat.
🏊The fact that it’s an aerobic exercise also means it improves cardiopulmonary capacity, while the effort needed to overcome water resistance tones muscles.
🏊It’s a great way to burn calories: an hour of swimming burns approximately 500 calories.
🏊Our body’s natural position is upright, but when we swim, we turn it horizontal; this helps move respiratory secretions and improves breathing.
🏊Swimming has been shown to be beneficial for asthma sufferers, as it encourages lung function and breathing control.
🏊Swimming balances blood pressure and normalises pulse rate.
🏊It works the body’s motor coordination. Over two thirds of the body musculature is worked when we swim, including both the lower and upper body, trunk and head, and arms and legs are forced to make a balanced effort.
🏊Swimming also strengthens joints and improves posture by improving the position of the spinal column. This makes it an excellent exercise for people with back problems.
Come and swim with us
You don’t have to be a great athlete for swimming to be beneficial, so come on in – the water’s lovely! If you’d like some more information on learning how to swim, swim coaching or squad training at Virgin Active, please get in touch with us today.