Swimming is not just good exercise, it’s great exercise! Check out this article to read why it works so well and if you’re inspired by the end, there are plenty ideas on fantastic outdoor swimming spots too.
I went swimming a few times last week and my mental health is far better for it.
What is it about being immersed in water that makes one feel better all over, inside and out?
I don’t know how it happens but I know for sure it does.
A very pregnant friend and I did some laps in a pool. Then I swam with the kids down at Dee Why one day. We’d been snorkelling at Shelly Beach the weekend before, and yesterday we were all splashing around in our back yard pool.
So good for the brain but swimming is bloody good exercise too. I’m so grateful to my parents for braving the Scottish chill and getting us all swimming as kids.
My Mum and Dad used to take the four of us swimming to a beautiful old Victorian pool in Edinburgh every Saturday morning.
When we moved to the countryside a pool was built in the next town and we swam in the swimming club.
Thanks Mum and Dad, I’m proud to pass on the love of swimming and splashing and playing ‘sharks’ to my own boisterous bairns.
We love swimming as a family because:
* it’s relatively cheap
* it’s relatively easy
* you can do it in so many place; pools, the ocean, rock pools and even rivers.
* it wears the kids out completely
Swimming Training For Fitness
Although I had swum 20 laps at a time for decades, I didn’t really push myself until a couple of years ago when I started going to a swimming for fitness squad.
There we swam for one hour, wearing flippers a lot of the time, and getting coached on technique and taught all sorts of drills. We usually swam about 2km, though I managaed much less to start with.
This swimming really helped my fitness and stamina. My stroke improved a lot. It was a big part part of kick starting my weight loss/healthier and harder exercise regime.
If you do a variety of strokes, swimming really does exercise all the muscle groups, and aids stamina and cardiovascular fitness. It doesn’t strain your joints at all, which was great for me when my knees get sore.
Ocean Swimming With Can Too
Last summer’s ocean swim training with Can Too was just the best next step, really challenging physically and mentally. At times it was really scary, but with a great team of coaches and mentors, I did the Palm Beach to Whale Beach Big Swim, slow but succesful. Amazing!
How Many Calories Will Swimming Burn?
I try to think of exercise as being for fitness and my heart.
Eating food sensibly is the key to weight control. However, you can’t get away from the fact that swimming is a big calorie burner.
Steady swimming: 90-220kcal
Moderate swimming : 150-370kcal
Hard swimming: 220-550kcal
So when I swim for an hour, that’s a LOT of calories.
This summer, I am aiming to do a lot more swimming in the sea and in ocean pools. Can’t wait for Can Too training to re-start in early November.
It’s got to be good for us.
But more than anything, swimming makes me feel so alive.
Are you a swimmer too?
Do you swim for your brain or your body or both?
Happy splashing,
Here’s an interview I did with swimming champ Hayley Lewis on just these topics.
Why is swimming such good exercise for women?
Swimming is such a great form of exercise – and not just for women, it’s great for all the guys out there too! Swimming has so many benefits as part of an overall fitness routine – it’s an excellent low impact exercise that’s great for muscle development, fitness and stamina. I also find being in the water really relaxing and therapeutic – and you don’t have to worry about getting all hot and sweaty!
Does swimming tone muscles? How does it compare to weights?
Swimming is great for toning up and building confidence – it’s a full body work out, so it really works everything from your finger tips to toes.
Do you prefer swimming in a pool or the ocean/ocean pool?
For training purposes, I definitely prefer a pool because I know exactly how far I have swum and there are no varying elements to deal with (current, sea creatures, cold water). Swimming in a pool also means than there are lane ropes which obviously help keep you on course whereas ocean swimming requires constant checking to make sure you have veered off. Also – you can train all year round in an indoor swimming pool.
As a mum of two boys… do you have tips for mums who have to feed a hungry, growing family and yet not eat too much themselves?
It’s true – growing boys seem to have an endless need to be fuelled for the day ahead, so my husband and I make sure that we are providing them with the right food.
It can be difficult at times to avoid over eating especially when the boys are eating so much but it’s all about setting goals for yourself and not letting others in the house sway you. I also like to keep the ‘treat’ food in an area in the pantry where I don’t frequently go!
Can you recommend any videos which can help with swim technique?
I personally would recommend anyone learning to swim to attend a squad session with a swimming coach, so they can correct your stroke as you swim. However if you can’t make it to a session, I would recommend: BILL KIRBY SWIMMING TECHNIQUE. It’s a great online video and Bill has a lot of experience, being a former member of the Australian Olympic team.
What is the advantage of using flippers?
I love wearing flippers for many reasons, but I especially like to wear them when I am warming up. It’s great because you automatically feel propelled through the water and it also helps you to ease into it gently before getting straight into it. If you aren’t a strong butterflyer, wearing flippers can be the most advantageous way of developing the strength. Flippers are also great for build strength and flexibility in the legs and hip flexors.
Is it OK to keep using flippers when you swim?
I definitely recommend using flippers as a beginner, but they are also a great addition for intermediate to advance swimmers. They’re great to adding a bit of variety into your swim plan and nothing beats that feeling of just ploughing through the water with a pair of flippers on!
Do you still swim for exercise? Summer and winter??
Yes – I just love swimming, so matter what the weather. But in winter I do swim indoors! It’s one type of exercise I think I will always be drawn too.
But I do also love walking and Pilates – I just love having variety to keep me motivated and on track with my weight management and fitness goals.
Thanks Hayley!
See you at the pool.
Find Australia’s best swimming spots here.
And check out my list of favourite wild swimming books here.
If you love swimming outdoors, pop over to check out the website of my favourite magazine Outdoor Swimmer, based in the UK but covering swimming worldwide.
