Summer is here and we have all started feeling the side effects of the sweltering heat. My energy gets sapped and keeping my motivational level up has been such a task of late!
I see summer ready workouts like “Beach Body Insanity,” “Bikini body abs” etc. But no one discusses how to stay fit and happy during summer, when it is too hot to walk, cycle, run or trek!
I can tell you ab
out my beat the heat solution , it’s time to jump into the nearest pool!
Swimming is known to be one of the best forms of cardiovascular exercise. The benefits of swimming are fab and you don’t feel hot or sweaty after your workout instead you feel cool, refreshed and rejuvenated!
Heart diseases is a common side-effect of the high stress lives we lead today. It has become a young man’s disease. Swimming gives you better cardiovascular endurance. It engages almost all main muscles in the body and improves blood circulation (which helps scrape away the small layers of cholesterol/ toxins within the blood vessels)
What I love about swimming is that it doesn’t put that immense pressure on your muscles and make you gasp for breath after a few laps. We know that swimming burns calories like all forms of cardio workouts, but did you know the calories swimming burns is sourced from choleric, which is one of the main causes of heart- related illnesses & high blood pressure.
When I visit the pool I see people of all age groups, shapes and sizes, which is so fantastic! Swimming unlike many other forms of exercise is inclusive. It surpass age. People from three months to 83 years can swim since it is a low-impact form of exercise. 90% of your body weight is buoyant when you swim, which means you are only carrying 10% of your body weight, this has a whole lot of positives -ease of movement with less strain on your bones, joints and muscles. It stretches muscle fibers and ligaments which maintains flexibility.
Musculoskeletal problems due to endless sitting at our desks and bad posture can be fixed with swimming, as it requires the whole body to function coherently. It forces the body to realign itself in a uniform manner.
My favorite benefit of swimming is that it is both literally and figuratively “chilled out”.Stu
dies have proven that swimming helps to release tension and increase self-esteem. Just like running (but with none of that gasping of breath, muscle burns, cramps or sweat) it releases endorphins which are feel-good hormones that neutralize depressive/ negative feelings. It makes you mentally refreshed and the water has a massage-like effect on the body, helping us relax.
If I have not convinced you as yet to sign up at your local pool, swimming strengthens your muscles and makes you lean. It works your core, and one of the ONLY exercises that works your upper and lower body at the same time.
I guess we all want to know calories burnt, check this out 585 calories for one hour of freestyle on an average with a moderate pace. Many try interval training while s
wimming that is a few fast laps followed by a few slow ones which can have more impact for weight loss and toning.
So if you want to give swimming a try this summer look up a pool in your neighborhood or building complex. I know that most clubs & gymkhanas have a pool included in their facilities. You can check in neighborhood premium hotels who carry offers to use their pool for a monthly fee.
If you don’t know how to swim I highly recommend learning now. My dad learnt only
a few years ago so it is never too late! You could join the famous Nisha Millet classes, or at St. Jospehs Indian School or Sadashivnagar pool if you live in Bangalore or just search online for classes. Stay cool this summer!
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