by John Adams 

Why Is Swimming an Excellent Recovery Exercise 

Do you have muscle pain and soreness? 

Recovering from an injury? 

Or are you a gym newcomer looking to have some fun?

Swimming is an excellent sport for getting started and finding your fitness groove. It's great cardio and gets your heart rate up, but as compared to running, lifting weights, or other high-intensity workouts, its low-impact, which means that your joints will be healthy and safe. Whether swimming laps or splashing around in a group class, getting wet is one of the amazing things to do this summer.

Who's ready to jump in?

Swimming has numerous benefits:

• It can be a severe cardiovascular workout.
• It tones the entire body from head to toe.
• It helps build stamina.
• It burns a lot of calories.

Swimming is a sport anyone of any age can enjoy, so you don't need to be the next Olympic Trials Qualifier
to reap the benefits. Swimming can also be therapeutic and relaxing if you are recovering
from a personal injury.

Swimming benefits

According to the study published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine, swimming is one of the ideal recovery techniques available. According to researchers at the University of Western Australia, triathletes had significantly better running times after going for a recovery swim. According to the study, swimming as part of recovery resulted in lower levels of C -reactive protein, which is linked to muscle inflammation. Swimming is a common rehabilitation method for back pain, torn ligaments, and surgery, even if you are not a triathlete.

Swimming is not a weight-bearing activity; instead, the buoyancy of the water supports your body weight, relieving pressure. Different strokes can relieve pain in different ways; the backstroke, in particular, is the best option for back pain. All strokes are an active form of stretching, engaging your core and working your arm muscles, quads, and calves. Because injury can cause muscles to seize up, swimming laps and alternating strokes will keep your muscles loose and flexible.

Swimming does not always imply swimming laps. Aqua aerobics, water biking, diving, and even yoga are all activities that can do in the water included in this category. If you are not a strong swimmer, aqua classes are an option. ISCA provides 30-60 minute swimming lessons at selected Fitness First gyms. Whether you need a refresher on the fundamentals or want to improve your technique, our certified instructors will be with you every step of the way.

Not to mention one of the best aspects of swimming: it's a great way to cool off! And if you're a member of one of our gyms with a state-of-the-art swimming pool, you're welcome to take a quick dip after your workout to relax, float around, and get some water therapy. You can find  your nearest Fitness First pool to join as soon as possible. It will keep you active and cool all day.

Bottom line 

Swimming is frequently promoted as a great workout for people of all ages, with benefits for the body and mind. Swimming as a form of exercise raises your heart rate and strengthens your muscles. And it considers a helpful activity to relieve stress.

"Swimming is an excellent sport. Swimming is a great activity for people of every age” according to Dr. Matthew Crowe. He is a Mayo Clinic orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine expert who used to be a competitive swimmer.