Swimming For Fitness, Health and Pleasure

Swimming is undoubtedly one of the best forms of exercise for achieving and maintaining fitness and a feeling of well being. Even if you cannot swim, like me, then exercising in water can still be beneficial, and it is something I have always loved doing. Indeed, hydrotherapy is commonly used for those with arthritic conditions, and for rehabilitation after operations such as hip replacements.

For many people, swimming is the most pleasurable form of exercise, as they feel therapeutic value from the relaxing effects of the water. While walking and cycling can be enjoyable too, and a therapy for maintaining well being, swimming is arguably the strongest in that respect.

Where you swim can make a difference to the level of pleasure it may bring. If you live near or on the coast, then a swim in the sea can be very beneficial for those who like it. For most, though, going to the local pool is the best and most likely option. If you can get into the habit of going to the pool every day, or as often as possible, you will surely feel the benefit in your muscles and breathing as the weeks pass.

Swimming can have a refreshing impact, so early morning is a good time, setting you up for the day. Of course, it need not be your exclusive exercise; you will be feeling good after the swim, so perhaps more inclined to go cycling or walking later.

One of the reasons water exercise, including swimming, is so good for you is the buoyancy you have in the water. This is why hydrotherapy is so good for those with joint problems, or are recuperating from an accident. You can move a joint more in water than you can on dry land. I have had hydrotherapy after three hip replacement operations now, and each time have thoroughly enjoyed the subsequent hydrotherapy, always appreciating the extra movement I was able to get with the buoyancy of the water.

You do not have to have an operation to get the benefit of swimming or other water exercise. Swimming is not a sport for nothing; the top swimmers are extremely fit people. For the average person, though, swimming can make a great contribution to their get fit and keep fit programs, and also be a useful part of a weight loss program. An average size man can burn off about 80 calories in 10 minutes of swimming, so you can easily work out what you would do over longer periods as you get more fit. The aerobic and resistance effects of swimming will have those muscles toned and your lungs and heart working well. For those who are not so used to exercise for a long time, or have any symptoms of illness, be sure to check with your physician for advice on how much swimming is best for you.