Swimming is good for your body. It builds muscle and stamina while burning calories. And what’s more is that it’s great for your mental health. Who wouldn’t like to feel happier and lighter? Does swimming help you lose weight? Let’s examine the evidence and discover the secrets of swimming for weight loss.
The Health Benefits Of Swimming
First of all, swimming is very good for your health. Not only does it help you to lose weight but it also helps to reduce your cholesterol, improve your mood, and increase your mental health. Let’s explore the ways in which swimming helps to boost your health and wellbeing.
Reduces Cholesterol
When you’re swimming regularly, your body learns to process cholesterol more efficiently. It is now known that swimming improves your body’s ability to utilize and process the protein. Your cholesterol levels will therefore begin to drop, benefiting your heart and overall health. Several studies have shown that swimming can reduce cholesterol levels significantly. This is particularly beneficial for people with high cholesterol, as it means they can continue to swim without worrying about their health deteriorating.
While some may still argue that cholesterol is bad for you, the evidence shows that it isn’t. In fact, some studies have suggested that high cholesterol can be protective against depression and Alzheimer’s disease. So by lowering your cholesterol levels, you may be opening up the possibility of a happier and longer life. Consider reducing your cholesterol as part of your weight loss strategy and you may be pleasantly surprised by how much better you feel.
Improves Mood
Did you know that swimming can quickly improve your mood? A 2015 study from the UK Millennium Cohort found that those who regularly participated in aquatic activities (like swimming) had better moods than those who didn’t. The study also found that this association was stronger in women than in men. So if you’re looking for ways to improve your mood, consider taking up swimming. There are numerous examples of how swimming can boost your mood and assist with depression. It appears that being in the water helps to reduce stress and anxieties. The cooling effect of the water is also believed to assist with relaxation.
Increases Mental Health
Did you know that swimming can improve your mental health? It’s true. A number of studies suggest that swimming can increase your intelligence. Scientists at the University of California at San Francisco found that children who participated in aquatic activities, like swimming, showed improvements in both their mental and physical wellbeing. The study, which followed 450 children for more than a decade, revealed that kids who participated in regular swimming experiences scored higher in both mental and physical tests than those who didn’t participate. The researchers also noted that the benefits were most apparent in the youngest participants, especially in regards to their mental wellbeing.
It isn’t only improvements to your physical and mental health that you’ll experience by taking up swimming. Being in the water benefits the environment as well. Water is a vital part of life. Did you know that clean drinking water is critical to human life? According to the United Nations, approximately one in ten people do not have access to clean drinking water. Through the auspices of the UN, a nonprofit organization called Water For Peoplewas established to provide drinkable water to those in need. In 2015, Water For People provided water to over 1.7 million people in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. If you’re looking for an activity that won’t burn a lot of calories, but will benefit the world, consider taking up swimming. You’ll feel better about yourself and your body, knowing that you’re doing your bit to save precious water resources.
Helps You Lose Weight
Did you know that swimming can help you to lose weight? It’s true. If you’re looking to shed some pounds, consider taking up swimming. Research from the UK’s Newcastle University found that obese individuals who participated in aquatic activities, like swimming, lost twice as much weight as those who didn’t participate. The researchers concluded that this was likely due to the fact that swimming improves your body’s functioning, allowing it to utilize and maintain calories more efficiently. When calories are burned off, it leads to weight loss in most cases. If you’re not used to exercising, begin with simple swimming workouts and build up from there. You’ll find that the exercise is easier than you’d think and very rewarding. Before you know it, you’ll be sweating and feeling great.
If you want to lose weight and get healthier, consider taking up swimming. Not only will it help you to reduce your cholesterol and improve your mood, but it can also help you to shed some pounds. So the next time you’re thinking about ways to improve your health and wellbeing, consider swimming. And who knows? You might just find that it’s easier than you’d think to lose weight and get fit.