Getting All Wet is Good For Your Health
Who says you can only swim during the summer? Both athletes and students are heading inside to pools to stay healthy as winter approaches. Not only is swimming a great form of exercise, it provides health benefits not found in typical exercises. Continue reading
Taking a morning jog outside has long been a typical exercise for BYU students. But when temperatures drop to 40 degrees, it discourages people from getting out of bed and onto the pavement.
Rather than fighting the cold temps, many people are moving their exercise routine from the street and track to the indoor pool. Swimming indoors is a popular way to keep fit all year.
Jessica Lingenbrink, a junior at BYU and a previous member of the swim team said, “You can still swim when it’s snowing outside. I’ve been running with my roommates and it’s starting to get cold in the mornings so I can’t really do that anymore.”
Doctors recommend swimming because it keeps the heart rate up and offers health benefits not found in your typical morning run. Along with getting a great cardio workout, not only is swimming less harsh on your joints, it can improve lung functions as well.
“You get the benefit of cardiovascular so that you’re taxing your heart. And then that develops your heart as well as your lungs,” said Dr. Barbara Lockhart, a professor in the exercise science department. Swimming is not weight bearing and builds muscle in all parts of the body. Doctors say those who suffer from joint pain can swim to achieve their fitness goals without stress on their joints.
You don’t have to swim laps or use a board to get a workout. Even just playing in the water and having fun with friends is a great way to stay fit during the winter months.
Julianne Horsley
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