Anyone can do this sport. Even if you are not at all used to physical activity and have bypassed the pool before, it is never too late to start! Osteopathic doctor Vladimir Zhivotov talks about the advantages of this sport.
1. The effect of water on the body begins with the skin. Washing the body of a floating person, it cleanses the skin, improves its nutrition, gives it the opportunity to “breathe”.
2. When a person is in water, metabolism increases in his body. The fact is that this process is aimed at maintaining body temperature, and the heat capacity of water is much higher than that of air, 4 times. The difference in thermal conductivity is even greater – 25 times. Therefore, in water, the body produces 50-80% more heat than in air.
3. Swimming improves the functioning of the lungs and respiratory muscles. When exercising in the water, breathing becomes even and deep, which cannot be said about running or cycling. When you swim, the deepest parts of your lungs start to work. This is an excellent prevention against stagnation in them.
4. Swimming almost does not load the joints. In the air, the body presses on the joints with all its weight. And the effect of water is evenly distributed over the entire surface of the body. Due to this, all joints – intervertebral, knee, hip and elbow, experience only slight pressure. When we move in water, joints and periarticular tissues are unloaded: in water we become closer to a state of weightlessness. Many people note that after swimming they feel much better – precisely because the joints and muscles are relieved, despite the active movements of the arms and legs.
5. Swimming has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. The horizontal position of the body, repetitive movements, water pressure on the subcutaneous bed, deep breathing and a state of weightlessness – all this promotes blood flow to the heart and, in general, greatly facilitates its work. Regular swimming helps to reduce blood pressure, increase the stroke volume of the heart, and increase the elasticity of blood vessels.
6. Swimming is a must for those who have body asymmetry, scoliosis. The movements in the water are strictly symmetrical. If you work the right and left sides differently, you will float in a circle. And to swim in a straight line, you will have to strain all muscle groups equally.
7. Swimming is the most non-traumatic sport. It is almost impossible to get injured in water – it is a dense environment and does not allow you to make sudden movements.
8. Swimming is very beneficial during pregnancy. Exercises for expectant mothers are usually selected individually to train the respiratory muscles, flexibility and mobility of joints, and coordination.
In order for training to be beneficial and enjoyable, it is better to start swimming with a professional trainer who will take into account the characteristics of your body and develop a set of exercises specifically for you.