Swimming is a hugely popular sport here in Australia, and it’s no coincidence that we produce so many amazing swimmers. We’re surrounded by water and for many of us, spending time at the beach and in the ocean is a huge part of our lifestyle.  Whilst jumping in the ocean is a great way to cool down, swimming doesn’t just have to be something you do when you’re too hot to function. In this blog we’ll discuss the pros and cons of swimming as a form of exercise, and maybe you’ll be tempted to give it a go.

What are the benefits of swimming?

First and foremost, it’s a great full body, low impact form of exercise. When compared to activities like running, HiiT or lifting weights in the gym, swimming puts a lot less stress on your joints. As a result, it’s a brilliant activity for recovery days and is often used in rehab to help strengthen muscles after injury.

Swimming is Refreshing

Now that may sound a little trivial, but think about it – there aren’t many forms of exercise where you actually finish your workout feeling nice and refreshed are there? Usually you’re drenched in sweat, desperate for a shower, but with swimming it’s a different story.

In the Zone with Swimming

It allows you to truly ‘get in the zone’. Swimming in a pool offers little distractions, so you can get your head down, keep your eyes on the lane lines below and focus on your stroke. It’s a great way to clear your head so you come out feeling not just physically refreshed, but mentally refreshed as well.

Swimming Offers Variety

Of course, there are 4 main strokes to choose from – freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly, each working different muscle groups in different ways. And if that’s not enough for you, invest in a pull buoy or a kick float, or if you want to really push the boat out, try some paddles and flippers! There are so many different ways to push yourself in the pool, so don’t hold back.

The Fashion of Swimming

Finally, it’s a chance to show the world your latest pair of budgie smugglers or two-piece! Dreamy, hey?

What are the drawbacks of swimming?

Swimming Isn’t Always Accessible

To start with, it’s less accessible than some forms of exercise. Think about running for instance; you can pretty much go for a run wherever, whenever. But with swimming you need access to either a pool or a body of open water (that’s safe to swim in – watch out for those sharkies!). If you’re lucky enough to have a pool in your back garden then good for you and all that, but for most of us, finding a place to swim isn’t always that easy.

Swimming Has Repetitive Movement

Whilst swimming is generally a great way to help recovery from injuries, it can actually increase the risk of injuries cause by repetitive movement. In particular, shoulder injuries can be common in swimmers, which is one reason why good technique is so important.

Swimming Can Be Boring!

For some, swimming can be somewhat boring; staring at the bottom of a pool for the duration of your exercise can feel a little monotonous. If you’re not a fan of the chance to get in the zone and clear your head and you tend to need distractions to help push through your exercise, then why not try open water swimming? You certainly have to pay attention to where you’re going, and it can provide you with plenty to look at both above and below the water.

Many of us know how to swim in the same way we know how to ride a bike, so why not try going for a proper swim every now and then, rather than just a leisurely one? We’re fortunate here in Australia to have plenty of beautiful beaches and 50m pools kicking about. Make the most of it and go for a splash about. Time to get the goggles and sexy swim hat ready, hey?

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