Lifeguard certification near me and swimming is a complete sport that is beneficial for body and mind. You can clear your head completely and also build up your fitness. But swimming is also ideal for training your muscles . Moreover, you do not have to worry about overloading your joints or muscles.

You train these muscles while swimming

It is a good idea to  build in sufficient variation  during your weekly swimming hour(s). This way it remains fun and you will keep up the training sessions longer. In addition, you train different muscle groups with different swimming disciplines:

  • Breaststroke: ideal for building strong arm and chest muscles.
  • Freestyle: especially your arm and shoulder muscles become stronger.
  • Backstroke: this gives your abs a strong boost.

Do you like challenges? Then you should definitely  try the butterfly stroke  . It is a discipline that puts your entire upper body to the test.

Do you only want to train your  arm muscles ? Then swim without using your legs.

No risk of overload or injury

Unlike walking, for example, your  joints  or your  back  are not strained during swimming. You float in the water, so the risk of overload and injuries is virtually non-existent. You don't have to worry about inflamed knee or Achilles tendons.

Build condition

Swimming is not just a healthy way to build muscle. If you regularly swim laps, your  condition  will also improve. To achieve results, it is important to build in sufficient regularity and to maintain a rhythm of three sessions per week. Of course you can also alternate swimming with other sports.

Tip: Set  realistic goals for yourself  and build up your training work gradually. In the beginning it is a good idea to be guided by an expert who will draw up a customized training schedule for you.

Advantage of swimming: you sleep like a baby

During sports, especially swimming, hormones are released that you need to sleep better. Good sleep is a must for your health.

Tip: are you not a good sleeper? Then don't go swimming in the evening, you will probably be so hyper afterwards that you won't be able to fall asleep. Bathing in the morning is better for bad sleepers. Most pools open at 7am, so you can enjoy the benefits of swimming before you get to work. You are full of energy all day long and in the evening you fall asleep like a log.

The calorie consumption of swimming is high

With fanatical swimming you burn a lot of calories, about 500 per hour. Compared to running you burn 650 calories, but then the risk of injuries is many times greater. Swimming is therefore a great sport to lose kilos.

Tip: Do you want to burn more calories? Do a HIIT or learn the butterfly stroke. With a good butterfly stroke you burn up to 900! calories per hour.

Swimming has a positive effect on your blood pressure

Because of the pressure of the water, your heart has to work less hard to pump your blood back to your heart. This difference can amount to as much as 10 to 15 percent. This is good for your blood pressure and has a very relaxing effect.

Tip: after intensively swimming lengths, it is wonderful to chill out in a bubble bath if your swimming pool offers this luxury. This way you maximize the benefit of swimming to lower your blood pressure. When you are resting, your heart rate drops, so you can relax after your workout.

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Minimal impact on your joints

You weigh 90% less in the water! The impact of swimming on your joints is therefore much smaller than with sports 'on land'. This is the reason that many people with injuries are advised to go swimming and recover calmly.

Tip: buy a well-fitting bathing suit and buy good swimming goggles, good material is half the work. You don't want to spend all your time pulling your bikini into place or getting the water out of your goggles. 

Does swimming also have disadvantages?

I suffer a lot from sinusitis and unfortunately swimming is not really recommended because of the 'dirty' pool water. I have now purchased a nasal shower with medicinal salt to rinse things clean after swimming and I have this problem under control. Another big problem ;-): those wet hair! But it is worth it! And if I can't swim for a while, I like to work out at home , not bound by the gym's opening hours or class times.