Summer is the best time of the year to practice water sports , as it minimizes the effect of high temperatures. Diving into the pool means cooling off, of course, and moving all the muscles of the body , with the advantage of not generating an impact on the joints like other contact activities with lifeguard class.
That is why swimming is one of the most complete sports and, depending on the style, you can burn between 200 and 400 calories for every 20 minutes of work, experts explain. “It’s excellent cardiovascular work, and it allows you to easily regulate the intensity,” describes Javier Gómez, Graduated in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences and member of Entrenarme and Spacefit, digital platforms designed to train with greater performance. “This sport can be practiced at any age , from the newborn to the elderly,” adds his partner Llara González, a graduate in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences.
However, its greatest advantage is that, at a medical level, it is one of the most recommended exercises thanks to its physical and psychological virtues . “It favors physical condition, combats stress and improves lung capacity. Doctors recommend it in 80% of cases,” slides the team of Mireia Belmonte , Olympic champion in the 200-meter butterfly in Rio 2016 and winner of 24 golds, 19 silvers and 7 bronzes between the Olympic, World and European Games. Below, these professionals list all the virtues of swimming, which they share on the Unycos online course platform for athletes.
THE VIRTUES OF SWIMMING
At the same time it improves elasticity and strengthens the joints . “By floating through the water, it’s easier on the muscles than other contact sports. It’s a gentle discipline,” says Belmonte.
Unlike other aerobic sports, such as athletics or cycling, it increases flexibility and favors coordination and agility .
Swimming helps to have a better balance and, at the same time, to achieve a more efficient and faster reaction time. When practicing this sport, blood flow increases, and with it, memory is also greatly improved and learning is favored .
It is an exercise that helps control stress, anxiety and elevates mood . According to the swimmer, it helps “to improve self-confidence and develop our independence”. And since it is an individual sport, “it allows you to focus on yourself, reflect and disconnect from day to day,” says Vergnoux.
It is a recommended sport for all age groups . From the smallest to the elderly can benefit from its practice.
Along with proper nutrition and hydration, it promotes restful sleep and rest .
“For overweight people it is highly recommended since it has no impact, as well as people with joint problems ,” comment Gómez and González, from Spacefit and Entrenarme.
There are many variants such as Aquagym, which also have their playful and social part .
It is an excellent sport to practice all year round , since “it is easy to find indoor swimming pools in all cities”, say the coaches.
Beat the heat with a good dip.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KEEP IN MIND
Apparently, you should be jumping into the pool now, but don’t go so fast: you should also take into account the risks involved in the practice because, as in everything, there are always pros and cons . The specialists of Entrenarme and Spacefit list the following recommendations.
- There are false myths, such as the one that is good for back pain. “Swimming is not good per se for back pain, but certain exercises with adequate doses will help improve pain and strengthen the area.”
- Technique and style must be taken into account . “As an example, a person with the shoulders in an anterior position (forward), has a high probability of injury in the front crawl style”, warn Gómez and González.
- For people with osteoporosis , strength exercises are better than swimming in any of the styles. “For the correct absorption of calcium in the bone, the tension of the tendon on the bone (aquagym) or the impact (jumps) is necessary”, the coaches conclude.
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