"Swimming Exercise for Low Impact Aerobic Activity"

Swimming exercise is one of the most popular and best all-round forms for achieving fitness and well-being.  Swimming is a gentle low impact aerobic exercise and an accessible activity for most people.  A natural way to tone, shape up, get fit, lose weight and stay slim can be acquired with swimming exercise.

Swimming exercise is excellent for arthritis sufferers, people recovering from injury, if you're overweight, pregnant or older as the buoyancy of the water relieves weight on the joints. Swimming exercise is mostly an upper body workout using small muscles of the arms more than the larger leg muscles.  However, it won't help prevent osteoporosis as it's not a weight bearing exercise. If you are unfit, start swimming slowly for short durations until you get back into shape.  It is recommended you get a medical checkup before starting any exercise program.  If you can't swim, most towns and cities have swimming classes for adults where you can learn proper technique.

Developing a good swimming technique helps to minimize drag and improve efficiency in the water.  Having good body alignment, appropriate body roll and properly fitting swimsuits will help increase the benefits of your swimming exercise. 

Using swim fins or flippers when beginning your swimming exercise will help in acquiring a proper position in the water.  When the swim fins or flippers are off, you will have a better idea how your body should be positioned while moving in the water.

Stretch and tone your body by doing a variety of strokes with your swimming exercise for maximum fitness benefits.  Different strokes strengthen different muscles.  Once you have gained some strength and fitness try more challenging workouts by alternating your swimming speeds. 

To achieve great results from your swimming exercise, spend at least 20-30 minutes in the pool about 4 times a week.  A little and often in moderation is better than a long swim once a week.  If your swimming exercise is for fitness or weight loss, set yourself some goals and add some other type of aerobic workout to get your heart and lungs strengthened.

Swimming exercise will improve your body's use of oxygen but won't overwork your heart.  Your whole body will benefit with improved muscle strength, endurance, flexibility, posture, stimulated circulation and cardiovascular fitness.

Make your swimming exercise a social outlet with friends.  Cool off on hot summer days, relax and meditate while gliding in the water.  Since water has a healing effect mentally and physically, a refreshing swim will leave you with a feeling of well-being able to face the day ahead with renewed energy.

So while you are enjoying yourself in the pool, you will also be acquiring many great benefits with your swimming exercise.