Immerse Yourself in the Health Benefits of Swimming
5/29/2025
Madison, MS, June 1, 2025 – The hot, sunny days of summer are a great time to jump into the water and swim your way to better health. Dr. R. Allen Sheely, a primary care provider with Merit Health, says swimming is easy on your joints and one of the best ways to get and stay in shape and prevent chronic disease.
Cardiovascular health increases through swimming because your entire body is working against the resistance of the water, and your heart and lungs work harder to supply the necessary oxygen to your muscles. Elevating your heart rate with exercise makes your heart stronger and more efficient at pumping blood through the body and this can also lower blood pressure.
Over time, swimming’s full-body workout can tone muscles, increase strength and flexibility and build endurance. Stretching, twisting and pulling your body through the water uses a full range of motions and engages all your major muscle groups, including shoulders, back, abdominals, legs, hips and glutes.
“As with any exercise, your overall health improves when you swim regularly and stay active,” said Dr. Sheely. “Swimming can be particularly refreshing in the heat of the summer and it pays off with a stronger heart and lungs, a boost to your mood and better sleep.”
Dr. Sheely points out that swimming is an exercise for people at every age and for people of different physical abilities. Water supports up to 90% of your body weight and takes the strain off of joints that can be aggravated with land-based exercises, making swimming a good option to keep moving for those with arthritis, osteoarthritis or those recovering from injuries.
Propelling your body through water is gentle on the joints because the buoyancy of water keeps you suspended and allows movement with minimal impact. That buoyancy allows you to engage in strenuous activity such as vigorous kicks and arm strokes without the high-impact stress or risk of traumatic injuries that similar movements would create on land.
You may find your mood and mental health improve through the rhythmic breath work between swim strokes and your concentration on body movements. These actions have similarities to mindfulness, which can reduce stress and improve your mental well-being.
Regular physical activity is an important part of maintaining a healthy weight and your overall health, including getting a better night’s sleep. Swimming, done with moderate to vigorous intensity of aerobic exercise can contribute to better sleep quality and increased sleep duration.
If you need a primary care physician to help you manage your health and live healthier, visit www.mymeritdoctor.com.
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