What swimming can do for you

As the weather gets colder, we’re less likely to want to exercise outdoors. So why don’t you find your local pool and head down for a swim instead, and here’s why!

• When you’re in the water you are weightless so there is no strain on your muscles and joints, which allows you to work and strengthen those muscles without putting them under any extra stress, or strain.

It is great for helping a lot of spinal and joint conditions – disc bulges, osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, muscle weakness.

• It is a fantastic way for anyone suffering with aches and pains to exercise and get your endorphins following as you can exercise without exacerbating any pains as swimming is non-weight bearing.
• It has been found that contact with water promotes both your physical and mental health as well as keeping you fit. It has a calming effect on the brain and can be similar to meditation
• Swimming is a full body workout as all muscles are required not specific muscles are targeted like in running. It will improve overall muscle tone and strength.
• It is also great for improving lung and heart function. It has been found to help asthma suffers by increasing lung function and cardiopulmonary fitness.

Even if you are not a keen or confident swimmer, you can still get in the water. Starting with just walking in the pool up to chest height or jogging in the pool as you get more comfortable in the water, which is still a fantastic form of exercise.

• Shoulder injuries are the most common as much of movement through the water comes from the upper body.
• So, therefore, it is important to stretch before and after swimming.

• Raise your hand up over your head.
• Bend the right elbow and grasp the right elbow with your left hand.
• Pull your right elbow to the left overhead.
• Hold this position for 30 seconds.
• Repeat on the other side.

• Bring your elbow up and pull it over to the at shoulder level with the other hand.
• Hold this position for 30 seconds.
• Repeat on the other side.

• Stand with your right side facing a wall or door frame.
• Put your right hand up on the wall, thumb facing up, at shoulder level.
• Slowly rotate your trunk to the left until a stretch is felt.
• Hold this for 30 seconds.
• Repeat this on the other side.

If you are worried about swimming or think you may have an injury from swimming book an appointment with us and we can discuss a treatment plan tailored to help you.