Swimming: Many, MANY benefits!

     The second week of May and we've already hit several 90-degree plus days in Oklahoma with more to come in the next few months. Some of us may love to work-out in the heat, but there are safer and much cooler ways to burn a few calories. How about a nice refreshing swim?

     There are several reasons why we should think about making swimming a part of our regular routine…increased flexibility, low-impact on joints, and calorie burn are just a few…but how about things like improved cardio performance, more muscle tone, and a little thing called increased lifespan.

     Swimming is said to improve the way that our hearts contract. This helps us better process oxygen by improving blood flow throughout our bodies. That's not just going to increase how long we can hold our breath under water, but also help us with the rest of our exercise routine by improving how oxygen gets to our muscles while lifting, running, jogging, or just doing everyday errands. 

     While no one is going to bulk up by just swimming, it will increase muscle tone if done properly and with enough intensity. It’s especially good for the core. It can also increase muscle endurance. That means that we may be able to train a little longer when working outside the pool too.

     Researchers at the Cooper Clinic in Dallas followed over 40,000 couch potatoes, walkers, runners, and swimmers over a 32-year stretch and found that swimmers had the lowest rate of death. While it doesn't mean that everyone will live a longer life if they take up swimming, it might not hurt to consider adding it into our regular trips to the Rec Center.

     These are just a few of the many benefits that we can get from hopping in the pool for some quality laps. BTW, the Rec Center is offering swim classes this summer. Get more information at 918-341-4516.

     As always, consult your physician and/or speak to one of the Rec’s fantastic trainers before diving into any intense swimming work-out.

Let’s do this!