Swimming may be the oldest recreational sport still in practice. Competitive swimming as we know it has been around since the mid-nineteenth century, and recreational swimming for thousands of years more. And of all competitive sports, none mixes relaxation, healthiness, and exercise like swimming.

Health Benefits

The different strokes used in swimming work almost all the major muscles in your body. Swimming not only works muscles, but it also increases heart and lung capacity. No matter how hard or slowly you swim, or for how long, eventually you will feel the benefits. There are very few muscles that a good long swim won’t tone, train, or strengthen – whereas the arms are worked slightly harder than the legs, the improvements are felt everywhere. Swimming has the widest-ranging effects and most health benefits of any recreational or competitive sport.

The need to hold your breath while swimming trains for longer lung capacity.  Swimming also has cardiovascular benefits – the aerobic effects of the activity will massively increase stamina and change heart rates. Because of its cardiovascular and especially its lung activity, swimming is an excellent sport for asthma sufferers. For older adults, the greatest benefit will be physical endurance – better toned muscles and heart strength mean greatly improved physical stamina.

Another benefit is that, since water makes us effectively weightless, people who have a hard time doing physical activity out of the water can make great strides forward in the water, training their leg muscles to give them greater mobility on land.

A lesser-known benefit of swimming is its capacity to reduce or relieve physical stress. Many of the muscles used in swimming are used in different rather than repetitive motions, thereby significantly helping to relieve built-up stress on the muscles and thereby reducing muscular tension.

Swimming is also excellent for flexibility, in conjunction with stretches, since it provides regular exercise and maintenance for stretching muscles.

One of the most useful but overlooked benefits is help to your posture: swimming works muscles and bones to provide a natural position that feels better, looks better, and keeps your body better maintained. Good posture is critical to preserve your flexibility and bone strength as you age.

Swimming has incredible health benefits for everyone at every skill level, and has one of the best rates of improved fitness compared to any other sport. You can improve while having fun and without overtaxing your body.