What Are the Benefits of Swimming

Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease

Swimming with Lifeguard Requirement helps improve overall health cardiovascular disease.

ResearchshowRA is a recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease, meaning measures to improve overall fitness, such as swimming, may help reduce the risk.

Provides weightless joint support

Unlike running, jogging, or even walking, swimming places little to no additional strain on your joints and muscles, as water supports 90 percent of your body weight. While swimming, there are no shocks from hitting the ground.

In other words, swimming can be a good choice if you have moderate to severe arthritis and have trouble doing other exercises that don't protect your joints.

Improves muscle strength and support

While many consider swimming a cardio workout, it can also help build muscle. Water offers more resistance than air, forcing your muscles to work harder to move you through the water.

Maintaining muscle strength may be beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis. When you keep your supporting muscles strong through regular exercise, they can hold your joint structures in place and help prevent your rheumatoid arthritis from worsening.

Other Water Activities

Swimming is one of several water activities you can try to stay active. Here are a few other water-based exercises you may want to try:

• Walking on water. Walk in chest-deep water up to your waist. For an extra challenge, try running forward and then back off or pick up the pace.
• Watercourse. Water jogging is a simple exercise where you simulate jogging or running in place, usually in deeper water. While advanced runners can do this without equipment, you'll find that a buoyancy belt gives you more buoyancy. Some gyms or health centers have machines that you can use.
• Water aerobics. Aqua aerobics usually involves different moves you would do during land aerobics, adapted only for water. You can often find gyms that offer water aerobics classes. You can expect a full body workout, including arms, legs and abs.
• How to get started with Online Lifeguard Recertification.
• Before starting any new exercise program, talk to your doctor. They can make recommendations based on your individual health so you can safely begin a new exercise program.

Find a heated pool. The Arthritis Foundation recommends exercising in warm water at 83 to 90°C (28 to 32°F) for optimal pain relief. Check with local swimming pools, fitness centers, or physical therapy centers to see if they have heating or programs for people with arthritis.

Moisten regularly. It's hard to tell when you're sweating in the pool, so take breaks if necessary to drink some water or another liquid, and don't forget to pack some for later.

Do not put pressure on joint pain. Although water exercises provide decent joint relief, you may still experience pain. If you do, it's better to stop than keep going. You can talk to your doctor about what is and isn't typical exercise pain.

Come prepared. You usually don't need a lot of equipment for swimming or exercising in the water, but some things you may want to pack in your bag include goggles, swimming or pool shoes for donning, swimming aids (noodles or boards), and water bottles of drinking water.