Many Temecula, CA patients who visit Dr. Nathen Horst experience pain from sports and athletic injuries. They just need some adjustments to get them back to 100%. That’s one of the great things about chiropractic care: it’s beneficial to people at different levels of fitness and physical wellness.

Since it’s summer, the team at Horst Chiropractic recommends one type of exercise that can help you, whether you’re athletic or dealing with some injuries. Let’s discuss the health benefits of swimming and why you should hit the water at some point in the next few months.

A Total Body Workout

Swimming is a total body workout. You kick with your legs and reach with your arms to stay afloat and propel yourself through the water. At the same time, you’re engaging your chest, back, and core muscles in order to stabilize your body. Water may not provide the same level of resistance as free weights or bands, but the free range of motion and total engagement of the body makes for an excellent exercise.

Cardio and Strength Training Simultaneously

Swimming allows you to improve your strength while getting a cardiovascular workout at the same time. Even if you’re more of a runner, you should consider a bit of swimming in your training routine. The work you do in the water can improve your performance on dry land.

A Good Way to Burn Calories

According to the Mayo Clinic, light to moderate swimming for an hour will burn 423 calories. By comparison, a leisurely walk for an hour burns around 314 calories, and using an elliptical runner at moderate levels for an hour burns 365 calories. While you’d burn more calories running, there is far less stress on the body when you’re swimming.

It’s Easy On Your Joints

On the note of stress to the body, swimming is an excellent exercise option because it’s easy on your joints. You won’t be pounding pavement, and your body won’t have to support your body weight with each step or movement. Swimming cushions the body and allows your joints to move without excessive friction. People with injuries or limited joint use can use swimming to help rehabilitate their bodies.

You Can Do It If You’re Pregnant

When women are pregnant, they often modify their workout routines just to avoid putting too much stress on their baby. Since swimming is easy on the joints and places very little pressure on the body, women can swim safely. You can enjoy the water and the freedom of movement without worrying so much about the well being of your child.

There’s Many Places to Swim This Summer

One of the best things about living in Temecula is that we’ve got plenty of options for recreation. If you’re looking for places to go for a swim, you can head down to San Diego County or north toward Laguna Beach. Even inland there are different lakes you can visit. Of course, there are also plenty of pools.

Wonderful Stress Relief

A long day can take its toll on your mental well being, and a long week can be even worse. If you swim a bit each week, you may be able to relieve that unwanted stress. Just 20 minutes of physical activity each day can work wonders for helping you de-stress. Swimming can boost your mood, and leave you feeling better all around.

Great for People of All Ages

No matter what age you are, you’re able to enjoy a good swim. This makes it a great activity for the entire family. You don’t need to think of exercise as an isolated activity. This summer you can turn swimming into a family activity, and great chance to enjoy a weekend or an afternoon off from work (or school).

Learn More About Fitness and Wellness

For more information about staying healthy and dealing with pain and injuries, be sure to contact a skilled chiropractor and general health specialist. The team at Horst Chiropractic is here to help you.