The Effect of Swimming on Exercise

Swimming is a popular form of exercise that offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. When compared to other forms of exercise such as walking and running, swimming can provide unique advantages. In this post, we will explore the effects of swimming on exercise, compare it to walking and running, and discuss its benefits for people with back pain and disc problems.

 

Benefits of Swimming

• Low-impact exercise that reduces stress on joints and bones
• Works out multiple muscle groups in the body, including the core, arms, legs, and back
• Increases flexibility, strength, and endurance
• Improves cardiovascular health and lung capacity
• Reduces stress and anxiety levels
• Can be a social activity when done in groups or classes

 

 

 

Swimming vs. Walking and Running

Swimming offers several advantages over walking and running, including:

• Low-impact exercise: Walking and running are weight-bearing exercises that can put stress on the bones and joints, leading to injuries or pain. Swimming, on the other hand, is a low-impact exercise that reduces stress on the body and is less likely to cause injuries.
• Full-body workout: Swimming works out multiple muscle groups in the body, including the core, arms, legs, and back. Walking and running, while still beneficial, primarily focus on the lower body muscles.
• Increased calorie burn: Swimming can burn more calories than walking and running because it requires more energy to move through water than air. A person weighing 150 pounds can burn about 400 calories per hour of swimming, compared to 300 calories per hour of walking and 600 calories per hour of running.

Exercise Type	Low-impact exercise?	Full-body workout?	Calories burned per hour (for a 150lb person)
Swimming	Yes	Yes	400-700
Walking	No	No (primarily lower body)	300-400
Running	No	No (primarily lower body)	600-900

※ Overall, high-intensity exercises like running and swimming burn more calories than low-intensity exercises like walking. However, it's important to choose an exercise that fits your fitness level and goals, and to gradually increase intensity as your body adapts.

Swimming for Back Pain and Disc Problems

Swimming can be particularly beneficial for people with back pain or disc problems because:

• Low-impact exercise: As mentioned earlier, swimming is a low-impact exercise that reduces stress on the bones and joints. This can be especially helpful for people with back pain or disc problems who may find high-impact exercises like running or jumping painful.
• Core strengthening: Swimming engages the core muscles, which can help alleviate back pain by improving posture and stability.
• Improved flexibility: Swimming involves a range of motion that can increase flexibility in the back and spine, which can help alleviate stiffness and pain.

Conclusion

Swimming is an excellent form of exercise that offers numerous benefits for physical and mental health. Compared to walking and running, swimming provides unique advantages, such as a low-impact workout and full-body exercise. Additionally, swimming can be beneficial for people with back pain or disc problems, as it provides a low-impact workout that engages core muscles and improves flexibility. If you're looking for a fun and effective way to stay fit, consider giving swimming a try!