Benefits of swimming

Swimming is an excellent sport that works not just the body… but also the mind! From splashing around as a little one in the pool to keeping the joints moving into later life, swimming is a versatile exercise that can be adapted to suit the swimmers’ goals and ability.

Being active in the water can strengthen communities, while helping to build confidence and resilience. We know that swimming is a popular activity with women, but taking a dip has also become a saviour for many men, over 40% of our swim only members are male!

This month is Men’s Health Awareness Month, so it’s a great chance to highlight activities like swimming that increase awareness around how exercise can aid men’s health.

We asked some of our male staff and visitors about their love for swimming and how it’s boosted their lifestyles…

“As a former Royal Navy and Police Diver being in the water has always felt special to me.” says Robert, one of our Sports Development Managers. “Swimming has always been a huge part of my life from an early age. It’s my me time and getaway from daily life.”

The health aspects of swimming are also what motivate Robert: “Staying active in the pool and open water keeps me fit and helps ensure I stay healthy. There is nothing like a good swim workout either in competition or just for fun to promote a healthy life from the first splash.”

Conor, one of our Places Managers at Places for People, shares a similar view of how beneficial swimming can be for health, especially mental wellbeing. “I have always been fond of swimming. Many men struggle with their mental health as we all know, but the hardest thing to do is reach out or take a leap of faith.”

The opportunity to dive into the unknown is a highlight for Conor too, especially if it’s in waterfalls as he enjoys outdoor swimming! “It’s a great chance to ‘make that jump’ into a happier life. I have continued with outdoor swimming since and some indoor and I always find even just a couple of lengths in the pool, or the complete opposite and jumping off the side of waterfalls, gives the same sense of achievement.”

The highs that Conor feels after a good swim have also made it easy for him to keep going. “I know for me the thought of getting my stuff together after a long day at work and going for a swim is always a lot worse than the actual action of doing it. Never have I finished a swim and thought ‘that wasn’t worth it’. It’s always worth it.”

As Conor and many other men have shown, it can be hard at first to build up the confidence or motivation to get into the water, but the benefits of taking a dip cannot be understated…

• It works everything! Swimming is a total body workout so whilst it can help burn calories and lose weight it can also improve flexibility, core strength and overall stamina.
• It’s good for the heart – swimming regularly can help reduce the risk of serious illness such as heart disease and can also lower your resting heart rate and blood pressure.
• Gentle on the joints – for those who may suffer with joint pain caused by conditions such as arthritis, the water supports your weight whilst helping build up the muscles.
• Releasing ‘feel good’ hormones – swimming releases endorphins into the brain. Like most exercise, this makes us feel good, but swimming does so in a gentle and relaxing way which is why it is many peoples exercise of choice.
• Boosting brain health – given the focus and concentration required, swimming helps improve mental clarity and cognitive ability.
• Combatting loneliness – swimming sessions offer an opportunity to socialise and can be a way to meet likeminded friends.

Using swimming to wind down is also part of what motivates Scott, a member at Places Leisure, to swim. “Swimming is a great way to de-stress and find your flow state which is a good way to calm the mind and shut off any external stresses that may be going on in your life.” he says.

The physical benefits are a large factor too. Rather than finding time to incorporate a stretching and flexibility routine into his weekly workouts, Scott finds it much easier to go for a swim. “Swimming offers my muscles and joints the low resistance movement it sometimes needs to progress in other aspects of my fitness journey. I use it on my rest days, or on the days where I don't feel inclined to lift weights.”

It’s not something Scott was initially fond of, but after experiencing the mental and physical benefits, he now relies on it.

“Set yourself achievable goals, for example how many times you would like to swim a week and also how many lengths you intend on doing, start small and work up. All men's bodies come in different shapes and sizes, so avoid comparing yours to others either.” is his advice for anybody starting out. Consistency is also key!

If you are interested in starting your swimming journey or looking to swim more consistently, our Swim membership could be the perfect start!

Nervous about taking your first steps into the water? Want to perfect your swim technique? Our lessons are also here to help! Find out more about your local centre offers here.

Sources: Six ways swimming benefits your mental wellbeing (Bupa), Swimming (NHS Inform), 8 benefits of swimming whatever your fitness level (Swim England)