Stay in shape all year round with lap swimming
Did you know that lap swimming is one of the best exercises you can do all year round, regardless of your age or physical fitness level?
And thanks to pools that are the same temperature all year round, swimming is as comfortable to do in winter as in summer. Read on to find out about the physical and mental benefits of swimming all year round.
The physical benefits of swimming all year round
Swimming is ‘whole body’ exercise
Swimming is an amazing exercise for your whole body. Unlike running, swimming exercises both your upper and lower body. It’s also good for your core (your abs, hips and lower back). Everyone from babies to the elderly can enjoy the benefits of exercising in the water regardless of physical ability or fitness.
Swimming is low-impact exercise
Swimming will keep your muscles toned and in great shape without any impact on your joints. It can also be a great, low-impact option if you have any joint injuries, but always check with your doctor first before doing any exercise if you have an injury or health condition. They may even recommend swimming to help with your recovery.
Swimming is more comfortable
A lot of people find jogging and other aerobic exercises to be quite uncomfortable, especially in the summer months. Swimming is a great way to burn energy, tone muscles and generally feel energised without getting that hot, sweaty feeling.
Swimming helps people with asthma
If you suffer from asthma, swimming can help you to exercise safely and boost your aerobic fitness levels. It can also help you to reduce the symptoms of exercise-induced asthma.
Swimming in winter helps you get the edge for summer
If you like to compete in swimming events or triathlons, it’s important to train all year round. For example, competing in an endurance event over summer like the Rottnest Channel Swim (19.7km) will be much easier if you swim and build a fitness base over the winter months.
Similarly, if you compete in triathlons over summer you can get an edge over many of your competitors if you keep up your swim training over winter.
The mental health benefits of swimming
Improved mood
What’s good for the body is also good for the brain. After a great workout in the pool you will have worked all your muscles, burned plenty of calories and had a much higher circulation of your blood around both your body and brain. Any form of exercise stimulates the production of a range of chemicals that help to improve our mood, including endorphins, dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals can help to reduce stress and improve your mood.
Improved brain power
The same chemicals that help to improve our mood can also help to improve our brain power. When endorphins, dopamine and serotonin are released, they can help to improve our concentration and make us mentally sharper. Our memory and cognition levels can increase after exercise.
It’s not only important for young people to exercise to improve their brain power. Research has also shown that exercise creates more connections between the nerve cells in your brain, which can help to prevent brain injury and disease as you get older.
Improved sleep
Exercise in general will help you to sleep better but swimming seems to help sleep quality even more so. It is an exercise that works your core, arms, legs and cardiovascular system, so it’s not surprising that swimmers tend to sleep well. Sleep is crucial for both your physical and mental health.
How we can help
If you want to start lap swimming to boost your physical and mental health, we have three state-of-the-art pools to choose from at HBF Stadium in Mount Claremont. They are used by elite swimmers as well as the general public, with dedicated lap swimming lanes for each.
All three pools are heated to 27 degrees all year round, and we have modern and clean change room facilities onsite. We also have swim classes available for all ages and ability levels. You’re never too old to learn to swim or to have swimming lessons to improve your technique.
Take advantage of our 7 day free fitness trial, where you will get access to not only our pools, but our state of the art gym and fitness classes as well.
Contact us today to find out more or drop in to check out our facilities for yourself. We’d love to see you!
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