5 Reasons To Up your Swim Game

The past few weeks has brought heat & humidity so unbearable that many of us are going indoors to bask in the air conditioning, rather than spending the summer outside in the sun. The humidity is making outdoor workouts more strenuous and unpleasant resulting in overcrowded gyms. Clearly, people are focused on staying active, even if it means being inside in the cool air. While running, walking and weightlifting are all great workouts, swimming lets you enjoy the beautiful outdoor weather, soak up some vitamin B and get a great workout in at the same time.

5 reasons to start swimming regularly this summer:

1. To cool off! The refreshing temperatures of pools, lakes and oceans will help cool down your body temperate on a hot day.
2. It’s great for your joints. Unlike running, swimming is a low impact sport. If you suffer from Arthritis, inflammation or painful joints, this is a great way to keep your joints loose and get some exercise at the same time. Doctors suggest low impact exercises for at least 30 minutes a day to ease arthritis pain and inflammation.
3. Full body workout. Switching up your workouts helps keep your body challenged. When swimming, your muscles are stimulated to work harder and differently.
4. It’s low cost. Just find some cool water to swim in, put on a swimsuit and take the plunge. No expensive equipment or gym memberships are necessary.
5. It’s fun! Jump into a pool, run into the ocean or dive into a lake. Not many things feel as simple, enjoyable and beneficial on a hot summer day.

Swimming is relaxing and a great way to spend leisure time with your friends and family. Throw a Frisbee around in the shallow ocean, take a swim with some friends or snorkel in the cool water as you look for the wonders hidden below the surface. You might even get the added benefit of coming home with a great tan! (Don’t forget to use your sunscreen!)

Remember to stay hydrated if you are out in the sun all day and if you have an injury that prevents you from doing your normal activities, swimming is a great exercise to keep you in shape. Because you are in the water the buoyancy unloads you from the force of gravity so it’s easy on your joints, muscles and bones. Don’t sweat it, take the plunge!