In this article, we will talk about swimming as a beneficial sport that counteracts and combats small and big disorders. It is an effective ally that does not only lead to general well-being but goes above and beyond, treating illnesses and imperfections and significantly improving your quality of life. Let’s look at some examples:
Swelling and water retention
Feeling heavy, bad circulation and imperfections like flabby thighs are often attributable to water retention. You can blame the causes on an unhealthy diet, excessive sodium consumption and junk food (rich in saturated sugars and fats…so be careful!), or even laziness that leads us to prefer the couch to a healthy physical activity. Other times the cause of retention may be garments that are too tight, such as jeans and tights that do not allow the circulation of the lower limbs. There is a solution, and we can find it in the swimming pool: swimming is actually a lymphatic drainage massage, which is even more effective if supported by tools such as fins, floating tubes or balls that increase the reactivity and muscle relaxation of both the lower limbs and the upper limbs.
Strokes against stress, anxiety and depression
Stress and anxiety are a “side effect” of time, the frenetic life that characterises our society and the many duties and commitments we sometimes fail to carry out. Sometimes we feel our heart in our throat, palpitations, magnified worries that make it seem like we can’t cope and a sense of constant alertness. Don’t panic, it’s probably just common anxiety, but if not treated properly can also lead to depression and panic attacks.
Did you know that sports can be a real cure-all to counter this unwanted guest? Exactly, because releasing the serotonin hormone, physical activity sheds the effects of stress and reshapes the way we perceive our worries. Swimming, a sport we will never tire of repeating, brings great mental and physical benefits. It offers a feeling of relaxation and massage, bringing you in contact with an element, water, which leads us unconsciously back to the prenatal stage when we were pampered peacefully inside the womb.
Farewell to cellulite thanks to lymphatic drainage
Spinning, Aquabiking and Crossfit Water are some of the new, complete and effective disciplines that lead to visible results in no time. If you are suffering from hated cellulite (stay calm, you are in good company) these water activities are particularly well-targeted because they help relieve tissues, eliminate excess fluid and burn many calories (from 800 to 1000 in one-hour training).
The ideal frequency? At least 2-3 sessions a week to see your thighs and buttocks slim down in no time. The workouts are done to the rhythm of the music, and the exercises include push-ups by the poolside, cycling and squats to be carried out with the support of specific tools. Cellulite, workout after workout, will “melt” and your skin will regain compactness and softness.
Water also counteracts varicose veins
Well, yes, swimming can help fight imperfections and annoying varicose veins. How? Once again thanks to the powerful lymphatic massage made possible by the natural action of water. The cause of varicose veins is in fact attributed to venous insufficiency that leads to blood accumulations in certain areas of the lower limbs.
Factors such as obesity, improper posture and a sedentary life, unfortunately, typical of western societies, accentuate this disorder that in some cases may require invasive treatments such a surgery. In other cases, if you already have varicose veins and they bother you, you can use elastic stockings, get endovascular treatments using laser or radiofrequency technology or resort to specific medicine. But an effective, preventive action can’t lack constant and targeted physical activity, such as swimming or running.
How did you find relief from swimming?
Has it helped you improve your health?