Swimming for Exercise

Why is exercise IN the water better than OUT of the water?

• Buoyancy: This water property allows people to do exercises that are difficult on land. 90% of your body is buoyant when in the water up to your neck, so you are not hitting the floor as hard as you would on land. No pounding or jarring!
• Resistance: There is continual resistance to every move you make. The water offers 12% - 14% more resistance than when you exercise on land. Resistance does not allow for sudden body movements.
• Cooling Effects: Water disperses heat more efficiently, so there is less chance of overheating. The water continuously cools the body. Exercise in the water is cooler and more comfortable than it is on land.

Why Swim? For the Health of it!

• Fitness: Getting or keeping in shape. Improving your fitness depends on how much energy you use.
• Therapeutic: Helping people recover from accidents and sickness. Combating the aging process.
• Social: Meeting and being with other people. You can talk to others as you water exercise. Workout facing your partner or side-by-side. Meet new people, too!
• Stress Release: Gives you a chance to just relax and forget about work, problems, and other things.
• Fun: Enjoying the diversion. Water exercise in a playful way and don't worry about being serious! Laugh and enjoy it! Water exercise is fun!

How to start Swimming?

To swim as an exercise, you should first contact your doctor. Once your doctor gives you the "OK" to swim as an exercise, you will need a swimsuit that fits you comfortably and that won’t need adjusting during exercise. If you are swimming outdoors, a sunscreen is also important.

Swimming equipment may also be helpful. Some of the most common kinds of equipment are: a kickboard, a light foam board that supports your upper body and a pull-buoy. Upper body support is useful when doing kicking exercises.