Here’s Why Swimming Is the Best Workout (And Why You Should Start)

It’s hard to find a single workout that almost everyone in the fitness industry can agree on. However, if there is one exercise that stands out, it’s swimming. Few workouts offer as many benefits as swimming does.

Other cardio exercises, such as running, biking, calisthenics, and hiking, are great for the body. They burn calories and fat and can build endurance. Still, swimming beats these activities for “best in show” every time. Swimming is suitable for any age or body type, is low-cost, requires little time to see results, and is something many people love to do. A swim workout is also a great way to get a summer body.

Why We Think Swimming is the Best Workout

What makes swimming truly the best workout, and why are people everywhere flocking to gym pools to swim laps every day? Here are five reasons swimming is the best workout and what fitness experts and swimmers everywhere have to say about it.

1. Swimming Builds Endurance and Improves Lung Capacity

This is arguably the number one reason to add swimming to your weekly workout routine. By swimming regularly, you build endurance in your lungs and muscles. Swimming helps you use oxygen more efficiently and effectively, which is crucial for endurance activities like marathons.

The other good news? When you improve your breathing and use oxygen better, you feel less tired, as oxygen is a vital energy source. So, swimming not only gives you more energy but also keeps you more alert.

2. You Get a Workout Without the Sweat

If you want the benefits of a workout without getting hot and sweaty, swimming is your best bet. For some people, this is a game changer. You get a full-body workout, including cardio and resistance training, while staying cool in the pool.

This is especially beneficial if you avoid working out because you don’t like to sweat. Many people share this sentiment. With swimming, you can get a great workout and avoid the heat and sweat issues that come with other cardio exercises.

3. Swimming is a Form of Strength Training

Did you know that moving through a swimming pool involves resistance training? Water is denser than air, requiring more effort to move through it. This makes swimming an excellent resistance training exercise, similar to weight lifting.

Regular swimmers can attest that a few days after swimming several laps, you will feel the muscle soreness akin to a rigorous gym session. Swimming provides full-body toning without needing various exercises with weights. A simple 30-minute breaststroke session can work wonders for your muscle tone.

4. Swimming Builds Bone Mass

How’s your bone density these days? Resistance training is known to fight osteoporosis, and swimming is no exception. While it may not build bone mass as effectively as running or walking, it still provides significant benefits.

Bone loss leads to injuries, osteoporosis, and mobility issues. Swimming can help stop bone loss and support an active lifestyle, especially after an injury. Additionally, if you have arthritis, swimming is an excellent way to get cardio without stressing your joints.

5. Swimming Burns Tons of Calories

People often think that low-impact exercises are less effective at burning calories or losing weight. However, swimming proves this wrong. Despite being low impact and easier on the joints, swimming is a highly effective calorie-burning exercise.

Swimming for an hour burns at least 500 calories, and even more with intense effort. It’s a fantastic choice for those needing low-impact exercise due to physical limitations or for mixing up your workout routine. Swimming allows for extended workout periods compared to running and can be a great alternative for weight loss.

Conclusion

“The water doesn’t know your age.” – Dara Torres (Olympic swimmer)

Swimming is one of the best workouts you can get. It makes working out accessible for those who can’t or don’t want to engage in running, biking, or other forms of cardio. Swimming offers the same benefits as cardio and resistance training without the sweat and allows for longer workout durations.

For a great body all year round, swim regularly. Find a gym with a pool to incorporate swimming into your workout routines consistently.

Need a place to swim in New York City? We’ve got a gym for that.

CompleteBody in Manhattan’s 57th Street location has an incredible pool with a sun deck and solarium roof. You’ll get an amazing workout while enjoying a covered, rooftop pool. Check it out on Facebook here.

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