Worldwide temperatures have been climbing in recent years, with July being one of the hottest months year-round. This year has been no exception, both in the United States and abroad; July is the hottest month in Dublin with an average temperature of 60°F (16°C). During the summer when temperatures soar, many people forego their normal fitness routines, but there might be an easy solution that benefits many aspects of overall health: swimming. Swimming has been shown to provide a variety of health benefits for both physical and mental well-being.
Low-Impact Alternative
While cardiovascular exercise has been proven to be extremely beneficial for physical well-being, it’s not necessarily an option for everyone looking to stay in shape. This is due to the fact that most highly-effective cardiovascular workouts rely on high-impact activities, particularly ones that are rough on the feet and ankles. As many as 75% of Americans will experience foot health problems of varying degrees of severity at one time or another in their lives, making these exercise plans inaccessible.
However, swimming allows for many of the physical benefits of cardiovascular exercise without causing this same damage. The unique low-gravity environment of a pool means that little to no pressure is being placed on areas of the body frequently damaged through activities like running or biking. This allows swimmers to benefit from an improved cardiovascular and respiratory systems and better blood pressure.
Mental Health Boosts
Not only does swimming improve physical wellness; recent studies show that it can have significant benefits for your psychological health as well. The physical activity associated with swimming on a regular basis can help to regulate endorphins and serotonin levels, both neurotransmitters associated with reducing depression and anxiety. Similarly, swimming specifically helps control breathing; learning to regulate breathing in this way can help with meditation techniques and relaxation overall.
Is Wellness Worth Building For?
While clearly swimming on a regular basis can benefit health, some are more willing to go to the lengths needed to include it in their regular routine. Building a pool for your home can be a serious expense, but the easily accessible health benefits may be worth it. During the past five years, the U.S. swimming pool construction industry has grown by 3.8% as more homeowners look to regularly gain the benefits of an at-home pool.
Those looking to cut corners and save money on pool construction might consider using modular construction methods in their pool design. Modular constructions reduce energy consumption during the building process by around 67% and reduces energy costs later on, especially since the majority of pieces are constructed before being brought to assemble on-site. That being said, at-home pools aren’t for everyone, and can be too large of an expense to consider, regardless of associated health benefits.
How To Benefit Year Round
While summer can be an ideal time to benefit from swimming, there’s no reason you can’t use this sport to improve your health year round. See if your area has a health club or gym with an indoor pool to use. You’ll be able to continue swimming all year long as part of your standard workout routine, without having to add a pool to your home. This way, you won’t need to worry about the weather interfering with your workout, along with the changing of seasons.
The overwhelming benefits of swimming can be a great addition to any regular workout routine. If you are able to locate a pool for use near you, consider adding a bit of swimming to your routine for the many health benefits associated with it.
