Swim and live longer

Whether you like serious training or just gentle movement in the pool, the advantages of being in the water is mind boggling.

Let’s dive right in:
Exercise physiologist Christopher Travers, MS, explains why swimming – along with other aquatic exercises like water walking and water aerobics – is so good for your body and mind.

Swimming is excellent exercise for all of us, no matter our age, weight, health conditions or the activity level, there are benefits for all of us. For easier breathing, swimming might do the trick. Apparently swimming improves lung strength and capacity.

Excess weight puts pressure on our joints, making them stiff and sore. But the buoyancy of water makes swimming and other water-based exercises easier for people who have weight problems.

Swimming has long been known to be one of the best exercises for people with arthritis, helping to reduce symptoms and improve muscle strength.

It’s no secret… feeling better physically can help you to feel better mentally.

Swimming is one of those activities that allows you to block out the world around you. Whether you get lost in your own thoughts or use waterproof technology to listen to music, swimming can be a great way to de-stress.

Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, author of the best-selling book Blue Mind, says, “Research has shown that being near, in, on or under water can provide a long list of benefits for our mind and body, including lowering stress and anxiety, increasing an overall sense of well-being and happiness, a lower heart and breathing rate, and safe, better workouts. Aquatic therapists are increasingly looking to the water to help treat and manage PTSD, addiction, anxiety disorders, autism and more.”

The temperature of the pool water is also important. However, this is a very personal preference. I found out that those engaging in more active swimming or water workouts, prefer a slightly cooler temperature in the range of 25.5°C to 26.7°C. The cooler water helps to regulate body temperature during physical activity and can offer a refreshing experience.

It is always safest to consult your local medical practitioner concerning your water-based activities. May I just say that there is so much information on the internet re the benefits of getting into water that I am going to be a lot more serious about my splashing in the pool. I wish to keep my arteries and muscles as toned as possible. Anyone for a swim or a game of Marco Polo?


Above: Beautiful pools installed by Lic Pool will entice any person to start swimming for a better and healthier lifestyle

Until next time.

Burgert Terblanche

Tel: 061-232839, Fax: 061-238602
Email: [email protected]