Gilbert, AZ
As we push into fall, we get busy with school, fall sports, extra-curricular activities, homework, and so much more. Many families may choose to look at swimming as purely a summer activity, but there are so many good reasons to continue with this activity year around. Swimming is for people of all ages, all abilities, and all sizes. There are so many physical, mental, and social benefits to swimming, and is a perfect lifetime sport. So, why should you choose to remain in swim lessons over the winter months?
Physical Health Benefits
There are both physical and mental health benefits to swimming. Many of the physical benefits associated with swimming are similar to those of any aerobic exercise. It improves cardiovascular health through lower cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as increasing oxygen consumption. It strengthens the immune system, reduces the risk of developing chronic disease and helps with weight loss. Additionally, swimming utilizes all muscle groups, improves joint health, increases the function and capacity of lungs and restores muscle balance. It helps in the development of both small and large motor skills. There are fewer injuries associated with the sport of swimming as compared to other sports.
Mental Health Benefits
Many of the mental health benefits of swimming are also similar to those of aerobic exercise. It increases production of neurotransmitters such as endorphins, reduces symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression, as well as improving self-confidence. Other mental health benefits of swimming include creation of new brain cells, strengthening of the cognitive function of the brain for improved problem-solving skills and improvement in self-control, setting goals, following directions, increasing socialization, and forming healthy ways to decrease stress. There are also studies that correlate improvement in academics (higher grades, earlier reading, higher test scores, better time management, and more self-discipline) with swimming.
An Activity for All Ages
As a low-impact exercise, swimming can be easily be performed by almost everyone. Children, adults and the elderly can all reap the benefits of swimming. Children benefit from the physical activity provided by swimming for growth and development. Additionally, there is less injury risk associated with children who swim compared with many other sports. Adults may benefit from swimming because it’s a whole-body workout that provides both strength and aerobic exercise. Swimming is a convenient way for this age group to get sufficient exercise in one workout. Elderly people who swim experience improvements in quality of life, as they are able to maintain their strength for improved health and reduced incidence of injury, which gives them greater independence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says post-menopausal women can improve and maintain the health of their bones through swimming. Individuals of all ages, who have chronic conditions such as arthritis, muscle and joint pain, can participate in swimming without further exacerbating their conditions because there is minimal impact on the body.
Continual Progress
Students who continue their swim lessons through-out the year progress so much better and faster than those who take time off. Many students forget everything they learned last year, only having to start over every year re-learning the same skills. Progression is slow, and many will become bored or lack mastery of swimming skills. Students who swim year around reap all the benefits, physical, mental, and academic, and continually progress through the mastery of strokes.
Safety
As always, safety of our children is our top priority. Giving them the skills necessary to be safe in our world is our top responsibility. Just as you use car seats, seat belts, bike helmets, and other daily safety lessons, so too, swimming should be part of the list to keep your children safe. The drowning statistics are all too large, depressing, and most importantly, unnecessary. Drownings happen every single month of the year. Drowning can be prevented. Being involved in quality swim lessons can reduce a risk of drowning by 80%.
To enroll in our premier water safety and swimming program call British Swim School East Valley at (480) 725-9292 to find the right class for you or your child, or enroll online. Classes are available to those located in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, Ahwatukee, and Queen Creek.
