We're sure you've heard multiple times throughout your life that physical exercise is a crucial component of a healthy lifestyle, and it is widely recommended that people, particularly children, engage in a certain amount of physical activity each day.
According to Government of Canada, children between 5 and 11 years of age should get at least one hour of moderate to intense physical activity. Youth between the ages of 12 to 17 should also include an hour every day for moderate to intense physical activity. Additionally, it is recommended that they focus on building muscle and bone at least three times a week.
Have you ever wondered why exercise is good for us? Or better yet, have you ever wondered why swimming in particular, is good for our physical and mental health?
Swimming offers numerous benefits beyond building muscle strength and cardiovascular endurance. It is also a great way to release stress and tension, providing both mental and physical benefits. For children, regular physical exercise through swimming can help boost self-esteem, enhance concentration, and ultimately lead to better academic performance!
Why Swimming?
Swimming is a remarkable sport and it might surprise you, but swimming is one of the most popular sports in Canada. In fact, Canadians have won more Olympic, Pan American, and Commonwealth medals in swimming than any other sport. This begs the question: why is swimming so beneficial and widely enjoyed?
#1 - Cardio
Swimming offers several benefits as a form of exercise. Firstly, it engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously, providing a full-body workout. Additionally, the buoyancy of water reduces the impact and stress on joints, allowing for a vigorous workout without the discomfort or risk of injury associated with high-impact exercises.
#2 - Work Ethic
Swimming is a sport that demands discipline and dedication, instilling a strong work ethic in young athletes. Unlike team sports, swimming is an individual activity that requires constant self-improvement. Each practice session presents an opportunity for swimmers to work towards improving their technique, stroke, and overall time. This focus on self-improvement can have positive effects on cognition, memory, and mood. Swimming also provides a low-impact way to maintain a healthy weight and tone muscles.
#3 - Less Injuries as Compared to Other Sports
Finally, it's important to consider the risk of injuries in sports. According to research, sports such as soccer, basketball, football, hockey, baseball, and volleyball have a high incidence of injuries in children and youth. While no sport is completely injury-free, swimming is generally associated with a lower risk of severe and long-lasting injuries.
#4 - Improved Mental Health
Swimming can be beneficial for mental health in a variety of ways. The rhythmic and repetitive nature of swimming can be meditative and calming, which can reduce stress and anxiety. The release of endorphins, or "feel-good" hormones, during exercise can also improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. Swimming is a low-impact form of exercise that can help improve sleep quality and alleviate insomnia. Additionally, swimming can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem, which can have positive effects on mental well-being.
Now that you have this information, don't hesitate. Give swimming a try today!
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