The Unknown Benefits Of Swimming

The Unknown Benefits Of Swimming

The Unknown Benefits Of Swimming

ONLY 10.7% of the UK population swim at least once a month. Just 10%! Outrageous. 

But worse, it was recorded in 2024, that in the UK only 28.2% of adults over the age of 18 can swim at a competent level. THE GLOBAL IS 71% WATER! That would mean if all land mass sank into the water 97.4% of the humans would drown (I made that last figure up with fake maths for dramatic effect but the others are accurate).

For that reason then, I have moved number 9 to the top of the list of the 10 unknown benefits of swimming:

  1. Lifelong Skill
    Learning to swim is a crucial life skill that can enhance safety in and around water. It reduces the risk of drowning and can provide confidence in aquatic environments. Water safety basically.
  1. Full-Body Workout
    Swimming engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously, including the arms, legs, core, and back. Each stroke targets different areas, promoting balanced muscle development. The resistance of water also increases the intensity of the workout without putting excessive strain on joints. Which leads us nicely into number 2.
  2. Low-Impact Exercise
    The buoyancy of water reduces stress on joints, making swimming a safe option for people of all ages and fitness levels. This is particularly beneficial for those with injuries or conditions like arthritis, allowing them to stay active without pain.
  3. Improves Cardiovascular Health
    As an aerobic exercise, swimming strengthens the heart and lungs, improving cardiovascular endurance. Regular swimming can lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of heart disease by enhancing overall heart function and efficiency.
  4. Enhances Flexibility
    The variety of strokes in swimming encourages stretching and lengthening of muscles, which can enhance overall flexibility. Regular swimming can lead to improved range of motion in joints, benefiting athletic performance and everyday activities.
  5. Weight Management
    Swimming is an effective calorie-burning activity, with the potential to burn 400-600 calories per hour, depending on the intensity and stroke used. This makes it a great option for those looking to manage their weight or lose fat while building lean muscle.
  6. Mental Health Benefits
    Swimming can reduce stress and anxiety levels through the release of endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones. The rhythmic nature of swimming, combined with the soothing properties of water, can also promote relaxation and mental clarity. Often swimming takes you to the points of failure quicker. this is where the most endorphins are released. This is why we get that unstoppable feeling when we rise out the waves.
  7. Improves Coordination and Balance
    The various strokes in swimming require coordination between arms, legs, and breathing. This helps improve overall motor skills, balance, and body awareness, which can benefit performance in other sports.
  8. Injury Prevention
    Due to low impact combined with the working a full range of motion, swimming is often used for high performing athletes as a technique for injury prevention.
  9. PLEASE READ LIST AGAIN.
  10. Improves Sleep Quality
    Regular physical activity, including swimming, is associated with better sleep patterns. Engaging in swimming can help regulate sleep cycles, improve sleep duration, and reduce insomnia symptoms, leading to more restorative rest.

Swimming offers a myriad of benefits, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enhance their physical and mental health. The combination of a full-body workout and low-impact nature makes it accessible to all, while its cardiovascular benefits support long-term health. Additionally, swimming promotes flexibility and coordination, essential attributes for athletes.

So lets learn to swim if you have not or, if you can, up the rate in which you partake in swimming. Local swimming pools are often low cost (£4 - 6 per hour) due to the lack of demand so your money will be well spent.

However, should we all get into swimming, make sure we spread ourselves far and wide across the country so that pool owners don't see the sudden rise in demand for pool time, otherwise they will be sure to up to the cost.

Inspired In Sport.

Back to blog