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This week, I want to talk to you about swimming and pools and how much it can help you. Now that the weather is warming up, you may start to seek ways to cool down in the heat. One of the best ways to do this is in a pool. If you have access to one, you may start to see more benefits than just lowering your temperature on those hot days. Here are a few ways that pools and swimming can help your body if you use them correctly.

  • Relaxation. Pools often are used as a symbol of calm and tranquil summer days. Whether you are floating on a tube in a pool or reading a book with your feet in, pools really can help you relax. I was in my pool a couple of days ago and actually fell asleep as I was floating around because the soft rocking of the tube mixed with the warmth of the sun lulled me. If you think this may happen to you, just make sure you’re wearing a good amount of sunscreen.
  • Exercise. Swimming is wonderful exercise for people of all shapes, sizes, and ages. While we don’t expect everyone to turn into an Olympic swimmer, we do suggest doing a couple of laps every day that you can in an attempt to build up your leg, arm, and core muscles. Even if you can’t swim for whatever reason, you will be able to benefit from being in a pool. There are aerobics that you can do in water and even just walking around can help you. Due to the buoyancy, your joints will not receive the same impact as they would if you were exercising on hard ground, so this is especially good for those with arthritis or who are overweight.
  • Fun. Let’s face it, being in a pool is fun! Call a couple of friends over and get into the pool and just play around. Have a water ball toss game. Play water tag. Just get out there and exercise!

While we know that not all of you will have access to a pool, we do want to remind you that many local gyms likely have them. If you are starting a new exercise regiment, the pool may be the perfect place for you to start!

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