Why is Lifeguarding and swimming good for you?
You hear many people say that Lifeguard class and swimming is good for you. This is no lie, but what makes swimming so healthy? Of course you want to hear substantiation that supports this claim.
Reason 1: Swimming makes you lose weight
Do you want to lose weight? You are far from the only one with this wish. According to Statistics Netherlands , around 50 percent of adults and Dutch people are overweight. So it's high time to get moving.
To lose weight you will have to burn calories (or eat fewer calories of course). Do you want to burn a lot of calories per hour? Then swimming is the perfect sport for you.
But how many calories do you burn while swimming? By swimming calmly you burn an average of about 500 kcal per hour . That adds up nicely. How many calories you burn depends on your body weight and the intensity of your training.
Do you want to see the number of kcal per hour you burn for other sports? Click on the link, fill in the calculator and find out: Calculator kcal burn .
Reason 2: Lifeguard and swimming is good for your fitness
Swimming is a sport in which you mainly train your fitness. Just like running/ walking and cycling, swimming is a cardio sport. Although you also train your muscles while swimming, you will read more about this later.
But how come you build up your fitness by swimming? This is because you gradually increase your lung capacity. You will notice that you build up a little extra condition every training. Challenge yourself and try to give every training that little bit extra.
One of the most intensive fitness workouts is done in a countercurrent bath . A large swimming pool is no longer even necessary, a so-called plunge pool (with counter current) will also suffice.
Are you curious about what swimming training looks like in a countercurrent swimming pool?
Reason 3: Lifeguarding and swimming is good for your muscles
Swimming is good for your whole body. But swimming also has some specific effects on your body .
For example, swimming is a good sport to train your buttocks, abdomen, shoulders and arms.
You don't have to go to the gym to get a nice muscular body. Have you noticed what the body of a professional swimmer looks like?
When swimming you use completely different muscles than you are used to.
Prepare yourself for serious muscle pain!
Read our blog about swimming VS fitness and decide which sport suits you best.
Reason 4: Lifeguard and swimming is good for your back
Swimming puts a lot less strain on your back than many other sports. Do you ever run? Then you know what kind of blows you get on the back. Or think about the posture during golf or hockey.
Not ideal for your back at all.
Especially the backstroke (What's in the name) is very suitable to train your back. In addition, warm water ensures good blood circulation, which reduces any pain in your back. Even people with a herniated disc can swim without pain.
Reason 5: Swimming is good for your brain
Swimming is good for your brain, but why is it so important to stimulate your brain through exercise?
According to Professor of Neuropsychology Erik Scherder , the brain consists of white and gray matter. The bodies of your brain cells make up the gray matter. The white matter connects the cells to each other.
It is therefore important to prepare this substance!
The white matter, which you produce by swimming, ensures that you:
think flexibly;
solves problems;
takes initiative;
and are motivated.
American Lifeguard USA, main message is: 'Move for your white matter, the connections and your immune system. 'It's not always easy to get yourself going, but it's important that you keep making an effort, especially in these times.'
Reason 6: Swimming lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease
According to the Hart Foundation , 'moving works wonders'. We certainly agree. Every form of exercise is good for lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol level and thus the risk of cardiovascular disease. Swimming is also very safe!
Swimming is a so-called aerobic form of training. With this kind of training you strengthen your heart.
Reason 7: Swimming is also suitable for you when you have an injury
Swimming is a so-called low-impact sport. Are you recovering from a nasty injury? Then you can no longer do most sports. But don't worry, you can go for a swim.
For people in rehabilitation , swimming is the perfect sport. The chance of injuries is much less compared to many other sports (Although the chance is not that great in chess and checkers either.)
Reason 8: Swimming reduces stress
Water lowers your stress. You relax your muscles in it and the water gives you a nice feeling.
In addition, you produce endorphins, dopamine and serotonin while swimming. These substances ensure that you are less stressed and that you feel better. Who wouldn't want that?!
Fun fact : the substance endorphins is also called the fastest-acting anti-stress hormone.
The substance stops a stress response within less than a minute.
Reason 9: You sleep better when you've been swimming
Are you also so tired after a day at the swimming pool? Exactly how this happens cannot be said with certainty.
It is a fact that making physical effort helps to get a good night's sleep. Challenge yourself in the pool, and sleep like a baby!
Looking for an extra challenge? Then a counter-current swimming pool is really something for you.
Reason 10: Lifeguard class and swimming is just great fun!
Maybe not the best reason from this list, but the fun you have while getting healthier is very important.
Swimming is just a nice and fun sport. If you do not enjoy the chosen sport, you will not last long and your health gain will only be short-lived.