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Most weight loss and sport experts agree that swimming is one of the best forms of exercise out there. It blitzes all the major muscle groups during a single workout with minimal stress on joints and a low rate of injury.
Swimming is rare in the fact that it gives a strength-training workout, as well as an aerobic workout at the same time. While swimming, your body is forced to intake more oxygen to help you move all your limbs at the same time, creating a great aerobic workout. In addition, the natural resistance of the water helps to build the spectacular muscle tone that you see so commonly on swimmers’ bodies.
Swimming is essentially the Ironman store of exercise due to its stellar combination of strength training and aerobic exercise. It is regularly touted as the best overall workout for conditioning and weight loss. Its superior cardio vascular workout along with low stress on your joints makes it a perfect alternative to those who find jogging or running too jarring and uncomfortable for their bodies. This is particularly true for women who suffer from osteoporosis, which can make the bones and joints much more fragile and prone to injury.
One of the drawbacks of swimming is the fact that you need access to a swimming pool. Even if you have a pool, it may be unavailable for a significant portion of the year during the winter. If you are truly keen on making swimming a staple of your workout, then look for athletic clubs or gyms that have a pool or access to a pool in the membership contracts.
Incorporating all muscle groups, providing a strength-training workout comparable to weightlifting, and giving your body an aerobic workout at the same time are the reasons why swimming will always be regarded as one of the safest and most effective forms of all-around exercise.
