Swimming: Good for the mind and body

Swimming in a pool can make you feel and look good. Several physical and psychological benefits have been associated with swimming, stated the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People who live in regions of the country where it's warm enough to swim all year, like Fort Worth and San Diego, can especially benefit from owning a pool. Here are some ways having a pool can make you healthier.

For starters, swimming is a physical activity. Doctors are constantly emphasizing the importance of a good diet and proper exercise. Not only does it keep you in shape, but exercising can ward off some of the most serious diseases.

Combats deadliest diseases
The CDC recognized swimming as a way to promote heart health. In the U.S., heart attack is the leading killer for both men and women, stated the source. Around 600,000 people die from the disease, or one in every four people per year. Not only can swimming reduce the risk of this lethal statistic, but it can also reduce the risk of reoccurrence in people who have already had a heart attack.

Another serious ailment can be combated with swimming – strokes. The National Stroke Association noted that obesity is linked to stroke because an abundance of weight can put strain on the circulatory system. This group of people is also at risk of high cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes. To reduce the risk of these ailments, the NSA suggested people swim and perform other forms of physical exercise five times a week. In addition to this benefit, improving blood flow can be good for other parts of the body.

Gets the blood pumping
A study conducted by Howard Carter of the University of Western Australia School indicated that submerging a body up to the chest in water can improve blood flow to arteries in the brain, reported New York Daily News. Researchers are currently trying to learn if swimming proves to be more beneficial than other types of physical workouts.

An article in Livestrong claimed that swimming can reverse poor circulation in general, which can do good in the aforementioned medical areas. Doing laps or some sort of aerobic water workout can improve blood flow because as the heart rate increases, so does the supply of blood to other systems of the body.

However, in some people who currently have an ailment, swimming in cold water could make circulation worse. According to the source, a heated swimming pool may tackle that concern for some swimmers, but in general, there's no silver bullet when it comes to health. The source recommends consulting a doctor to learn about how to treat a specific condition. But medical ailments aside, swimming does a lot for the body.

In addition to these body benefits, swimming can be good for a person's mental health. It can boost moods in men and women, and decrease depression and anxiety, affirmed the CDC. When a person's spirits are lifted, they look and feel good, summarized The Mental Health Foundation. This occurs because physical activity causes the brain to release chemicals that make a person be happier. Exercise can make a person feel more valuable and raise his or her sense of self worth. It can ease tension, improve sleep and appetite and give people a natural boost of energy.

The benefits of mind and body relate to one another in many ways. Toning the body can make a person feel more attractive, which can in turn boost confidence. But with these amazing benefits, it can be tough to peg where to start. For beginners, the MHF recommended that healthy people exercise for 30 minutes about five times a week. Others who may have had a medical ailment should consult a doctor before starting a fitness regime.