3 The benefits of swimming that other types of sports do not have

Many children and adults enjoy swimming. In fact, swimming is the most preferred recreational event for spending weekends with family. More than that, it turns out that there are many benefits of swimming that make it superior to other types of sports, you know! Anything?

Various benefits of swimming that other types of sports do not have

Basil Strasburg, PT, a physical therapist from the Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation and Sports Therapy, reveals that the benefits of swimming are not in doubt. This type of sport is even arguably superior to other sports.

Here are 3 advantages of swimming that other sports don't have, including:

1. Can be done by anyone

Swimming is a universal sport, aka it can be done by everyone, both children and adults. Interestingly, even people with special needs can do it.

Robert A. Robergs, an exercise physiologist at The University of New Mexico, revealed that the benefits of swimming can also be felt by people who experience rheumatism, musculoskeletal disorders, and weight problems. This makes it clear that swimming can be done by everyone.

When you enter your body into a waist-deep pool of water, your body is only bearing 50% of your total weight. When the water level reaches your chest, you are only supporting 25-35% of your body weight. Yes, the higher the water, the less weight you have to support.

This is influenced by the buoyancy of the water during swimming. That is the reason why the benefits of swimming can be felt by everyone. Even if you experience muscle and bone problems, you don't need to worry about pain because the buoyancy of water can help relieve pain and improve fitness.

2. Strengthens muscles in all parts of the body

You are looking for a type of exercise that can move the whole body, but can be done in a simple and fun way? Swimming can be the right choice.

Not only does it feel refreshing, swimming will also encourage your whole body to move actively. Your hands and feet will automatically go against the current so you can move forward. Meanwhile, the muscles of the hips, back and abdomen are responsible for stabilizing the head, body and spine.

Although it may not seem like exercise, swimming movements can help train muscle strength. If done as an aerobic exercise, the benefits of swimming that you will feel will certainly be even greater.

Starting from improving blood flow throughout the body, strengthening the heart, and maintaining healthy lungs. This has been proven by a study published in the journal Revista Portuguesa de Pneumologia in 2016, that swimmers tend to have stronger lungs than other athletes.

3. Less risk of injury

Compared to other types of sportslow impact otherwise, swimming has the least risk of injury. Again and again, this is influenced by the buoyancy of the water which helps reduce the burden on the body while in the water.

When compared to running, the joints in your feet are at risk of injury because your weight is supported by your feet during running. Meanwhile, when swimming, your joints are actually protected from stress and pressure because the push of water is not a dangerous harsh impact.

However, it is different for professional swimming athletes, the risk of injury can be greater. Swimming athletes are at risk for shoulder and knee injuries from repetitive movements of the hands and feet. To be safer, always follow the trainer's instructions so that the risk of injury can be avoided.