Three Benefits of Swimming

Based in Chicago, Illinois, Joanna Manaves is the director of planning and materials management for Peacock Foods. In her free time, Joanna Manaves enjoys swimming, water skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Many people know that swimming is one of the best forms of exercise. Here are some reasons why:

Full-Body Workout

Swimming impacts the entire body and engages muscles from head to toe. As a result, it builds strength and endurance, tones muscles, and increases the heart rate without stressing the body.

Low-Impact Workout

Because swimming is a low-impact sport, it is appropriate for people suffering from injuries, and those who have conditions such as arthritis or other painful disabilities that make other sports difficult.

Burns Calories

A 160-pound person can burn between 400 and 715 calories an hour depending on his or her pace. In contrast, an hour of walking burns just over 300 calories and an hour on the elliptical trainer burns 365 calories.