A cool dip in the pool not only relieves muscle aches, boosts endorphins and exposes the body to vitamin D, but outdoor swimming can also improve mental health. It can help you sleep better and is a fun way to spend quality time with family and friends.
Not only is swimming a full-body workout but going into cooler water forces the heart to work harder to keep warm, which burns more calories. Read on to discover the benefits of owning an outdoor pool for fitness and well-being.
Boosts Endorphins
Whether splashing around, racing down the lanes, or just lounging in the sunshine, outdoor swimming pools offer the perfect environment for fun with friends and family. It’s a great exercise for toddlers to geriatrics and provides a full-body workout that can improve your fitness and overall health in 30 minutes.
Swimming boosts endorphins, a hormone that increases feelings of well-being. The activity also triggers the same ‘relaxation responses’ as yoga does, and the water is an ideal setting for those with breathing conditions to increase lung volume and learn proper breathing techniques.
The calming effects of swimming have been known to last for hours after swimming, even more so than a relaxing walk on a secluded beach. That swimmer’s high is real, and it’s all thanks to the benefits of outdoor swimming!
Low Impact
Swimming is a low-impact workout that’s easy on the joints and can offer a full-body exercise that targets different muscle groups. It can also boost cardiovascular health and help reduce blood pressure.
If you’re new to exercise, swimming can be a great way to build muscle and improve your balance. Plus, it’s fun to spend time with family or friends.
According to a recent survey, outdoor swimming has become a lifestyle choice for most swimmers. They frequently report that their activity levels, mobility, and respite from pain have improved over time. They attributed this to their regular outdoor swims, particularly in outdoor pools.
Relaxation
Swimming can be an excellent method to alleviate stress and unwind the body. It improves heart rate without putting too much strain on the body and can build endurance.
The cool water, tranquil appearance and sunshine are incredibly soothing to the body and mind. Combined with the breathing technique that swimming requires, it can have the same calming effect as yoga and meditation.
Swimming is becoming an increasingly popular recreational activity, with people choosing to swim in natural locations such as ponds, rivers and lakes and artificial outdoor facilities known as open-air pools or lidos. These are large swimming tubs where the water is fresh, salt or untreated (not chlorine treated) and provide options for those who prefer a more natural environment and cannot use chlorinated indoor pools.
Better Sleep
Exercise is known to boost mood, and swimming is no exception. It triggers the release of feel-good chemicals and elevates endorphins, helping to combat depression and boost energy levels. Regular swimming also helps to reset the body’s natural circadian rhythm, so you’ll get a better night’s sleep on average.
If you find it difficult to stick with your fitness routine, the NHS recommends enlisting a buddy or arranging water-based social activities. Investing in new pool equipment makes the workout more fun and makes your home a swimming haven.
Reduces Stress
Swimming is a low-impact exercise that works your entire body. It also helps you relax and relieves stress. It’s great for those with arthritis, injuries, or other physical ailments because it is easy on the joints and muscles.
It’s a social activity that encourages friends and family to spend time together and can improve your mood by decreasing isolation. It can even reduce the risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.
A recent online open survey of people who swim regularly found that some swimmers report perceived improvements in various medical categories (e.g., mental health, musculoskeletal, and injury). However, this anecdotal evidence still needs to be expanded to establish causality or potential mechanisms for improvement. However, it can help guide future research designs to show whether and how outdoor swimming is associated with health improvements.
