Swimming is an ideal workout for the elderly or mobility-impaired because it presents little risk of injury and is low impact. Water exercises work out all the muscle groups in the body, presenting a complete workout for seniors. Here are just a few of the health benefits swimming offers to older adults:
1. Improves heart health. Swimming makes your heart stronger, larger and improves your cardiovascular health and endurance. It also lowers your blood pressure, improves your circulation, and reduces the risk of heart and lung disease.
2. Reduces the risk of osteoporosis. Swimming can improve bone mineral density (BMD), which will help fight osteoporosis. This is especially important for women; a third of women over the age of 50 and a fifth of men experience a bone fracture due to osteoporosis.
3. Improve muscle strength and tone. Every time you move in the water, you’re putting every muscle group to work. Swimming is a great form of resistance training that helps improve your muscle strength. You will also see long, lean muscle tone forming the more you do it!
4. Boosts mental health. Swimming is a great way to reduce your stress levels, boost your mood, and increase your brain function. Plus swimming is a social activity! Helping you avoid the feelings of loneliness that can lead to depression.
If you are looking for a great place to swim, we recommend Waterworks Aquatics. They offer recreational swim, water aerobics classes, and physical therapy. All in their indoor pools heated to 92 degrees. Waterworks Aquatics is located at 2290 E Foothill Blvd, Pasadena. Give them a call at (626) 836-1200 or you can visit their website, www.waterworksswim.com/Pasadena, for more information.
