Take the Plunge: The Cardiovascular Benefits of Swimming

Swimming has always been a great way to reduce stress and stay active, but now there are even more reasons to love it! Did you know swimming has been linked to improving cardiovascular health? It’s true, just 30 minutes of swimming per day can reduce your risk of heart disease, prevent diabetes, lower stress, and much more. While some summer plans have had to be put on hold this year, swimming (in a socially distant manner) is still a great way to stay safe and healthy.

Get In! The Water’s Fine

Ready to dive in? Not only is swimming a fun pastime, it’s also a total-body workout with real health benefits. The act of swimming allows the heart to expand and permits more blood to flow throughout the body. The blood then allows the heart, lungs, muscles, and blood vessels to work more efficiently and build strength. Plus, one of the best qualities of swimming is that it’s a great activity for all ages. If you’re worried about joint pain or past injuries, swimming is a particularly low-impact way of getting your body moving.

The Benefits of a Good Breaststroke

Here are some other ways swimming can benefit your body and mind:

1. Swimming has been shown to lower the risk of developing diabetes. Men who swim for 30 minutes at least three times per week have been found to reduce their likelihood of getting type 2 diabetes by over 10%. Women’s risk for the same disease can be lowered even more—up to 16%. If you already have diabetes, swimming can still be helpful by increasing insulin sensitivity and overall glycemic control.

2. Feeling stressed? Swimming releases endorphins which help to ease the mind, body, and soul. Swimming has also been linked to hippocampal neurogenesis, a process in which the brain replaces cells that have been lost through stress.

3. Swimming is one of the highest calorie burners across all types of exercise, making it a great choice for anyone trying to stay lean and fit. 

4. Lastly, swimming as a regular exercise can significantly increase life expectancy. A group of researchers from the University of South Carolina found that out of a group of 40,547 men (ages 20-90), those who swam had a 50% lower death rate than other men who walked, ran, or didn’t participate in exercise activities. They concluded this research would apply to women as well.

Stay Healthy and Safe This Summer

With the current public health crisis you may be wondering: “Is it safe to go to the pool? To go outside?” With the proper knowledge of Covid-19 and precautionary measures, you can still enjoy your days in the water. 

Here are some safety measures recommended by the CDC:

• Patrons and staff should frequently wash their hands and cover all coughs and sneezes.
• If you have symptoms, stay home.
• Use a cloth face covering when feasible.
• Be sure to clean and disinfect all surfaces and furniture that you have touched.
• Lastly, contact your local swimming locations and ask them about the precautions and safety measures they’re taking.

If you’re immunocompromised, it will always make the most sense to avoid public spaces completely, but if you’re ready to take the risk associated with going out in public, make sure to give yourself the best chance of preventing the spread of infection.

Ready to Take the Plunge Into Better Health?

Are you ready to try a new way to stay healthy? Look for swimming areas nearby or swimming classes, if you need them. Your health is a serious issue, but it doesn’t mean taking care of your body can’t be fun. Enjoy incorporating swimming into your life and watch as your health flourishes. At Cardiovascular Group, we are committed to our patient’s health and conquering heart disease. If you’re interested in learning more about heart health, read our blog, and make sure to make an appointment if you’re worried about your current level of health.