In the Netherlands, everyone learns to swim at a young age. We live in a country that is largely below sea level and we are surrounded everywhere by rivers, canals and of course the sea. So it is very important that we can swim well! In addition, we all love it and we jump into the water en masse in the summer. Are you perhaps not much of a swimmer? Read here the 7 health benefits of swimming, so that you will also take a dip more often with lifeguard classes
1. You burn a lot of calories
Swimming is perhaps the biggest energy burner. Even more than running or cycling. Swimming laps for an hour can easily burn 500 to 750 calories!
2. You strengthen all your muscles
Swimmers gain more muscle power all over their bodies. While runners and cyclists mainly get more muscles in their legs, swimmers train several muscle groups at the same time. So it is a real full body workout. You kick with your legs, pull with your hands and you use the muscles in your back and your stomach at the same time. No other sport allows you to train so much at the same time!
3. Swimming is good for depression and stress
If you’re in need of an endorphin boost, it’s a good idea to go for a swim. It ensures that you produce a lot of this happiness hormone. In addition to the happy hormones it releases, it also provides a relaxed feeling. A bit the same as with yoga, you stretch your body continuously. When you combine this with deep breathing, you end up in a wonderfully relaxed rush.
4. It’s Safe When You’re Pregnant
Pregnant women are often advised to practice swimming as a sport. When you are pregnant you will feel a lot heavier, normal exercises will also be more difficult to perform. Swimming is therefore a good option because you are weightless in the water.
5. Swimming helps with injury recovery
When you exercise a lot, you automatically run a higher risk of injury. If you are injured and cannot exercise for a while, swimming is a good option to keep your fitness up. It has a low impact and is therefore gentle on your body. Even if you have had knee surgery, for example, swimming ensures that you recover faster. Even if you’re so badly injured that your nerves are affected, swimming can help with recovery.
6. You get stronger bones
It is now clear that swimming can contribute to the recovery of our body. More importantly, swimming also helps prevent injuries! How? Swimming increases bone density without straining your joints. This ensures stronger bones and muscles, so that you are less likely to break or bruise something!
7. It makes your skin and hair glow
Where a hot shower only dries out your skin and hair, a cold shower does the opposite. Cold water causes your pores to close, so that it retains hydration better. In addition, your hair will shine more beautifully , because cold water prevents your hair from becoming dry and damaged
