Get Moving - June 25th

This whole week is about exercise. Summer is a good time to find something you like & get started. Develop a routine so you can stay with it. Today, the benefits of swimming, Wednesday, Pilates, Thursday, Yoga & Friday, Walking. Hopefully, one of these will inspire you to get moving!

If you haven't exercised in a long time, It doesn't matter. Start where you are and go from there.

Summer is a great time to use the pool as your form of exercise. As I've said before, there are many benefits to exercising in the water and you don't have to be an expert swimmer to participate. If you don't know how to swim, consider taking lessons. Here are a few reasons to consider swimming

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1. It Could Prolong Your Life ~ According to some studies, swimming can help you avoid dying prematurely. Researchers at the University of South Carolina followed 40,547 men, aged 20 to 90, for 32 years and found that those who swam had a 50 percent lower death rate than runners, walkers, or men who got no exercise. The researchers concluded that the same benefits would be received by women swimmers as well.

2. Lower Stress, Higher Spirits & a Better Brain ~ A book entitled "The Swimming Instructor," written by William Wilson stated, "The experienced swimmer swimmer, when in the water may be classed among the happiest of mortals in the happiest of moods, and in the most complete enjoyment of the happiest of exercises." Swimming releases "feel good" chemicals called endorphins. In addition to a natural high, swimming can also evoke the relaxation in the same way yoga works on the body.

3. A Healthier Heart ~ Swimming is not only a great way to tone the body; triceps, quads, and pectorals, it's also a good way to improve our most important muscle, the heart. Because swimming is an aerobic exercise, it helps strengthen the heart by promoting better blood flow throughout the body. The American Heart Association reports that just 30 minutes of exercise per day, such as swimming, can reduce coronary heart disease in women by 30 to 40 percent.

4. Improved Flexibility ~ Swimming puts the body through a wide range of motion that helps joints and ligaments stay loose and flexible. The arms, hips and legs are all engaged plus with every stroke you're lengthening the body. This gives you a good stretch from head to toe.

5. The Ability to Do More with Less ~  Swimming allows you to work your body without harsh impact to your skeletal system. When the body is submerged in water, it automatically becomes lighter. Just being immersed to the waist, your body bears just 50 percent of its weight, up to the chest the number reduces to approximately 25 to 35 percent, and with water all the way to the neck, you only have to bear 10 percent of your own weight. 

This means the pool provides an ideal place to work stiff muscles and sore joints, especially if you're overweight or suffer from arthritis. A heated pool provides even greater benefits for people with rheumatoid arthritis because warm water can help loosen stiff joints.

Self-care = Self-love.

Together we thrive,

Jacqueline