Swim for Your Heart and Joints
As you age, you may notice that your high-impact workout routine may be causing you some pain. If you are looking for a new way to burn calories without the heavy impact of jogging or calisthenics, CMC Orthopaedics recommends swimming as a great alternative way to reap the same health benefits of other strenuous workouts while taking it easy on your muscles and joints.
The impact of high-impact workouts
High-impact activities and sports are great for getting your heart rate up which you want to do when you are working out. However, some of these create excessive force that can speed up or worsen existing joint conditions like arthritis. Without adequate cartilage, excessive force can be applied within the joint and cause further damage.
Some examples of high-impact workouts are:
- Running
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Tennis
- Crossfit workouts
You need to listen to your body. If you are experiencing pain during or after your workouts, you may want to consider a low-impact option like swimming for your workouts.
Some other examples of low-impact workouts are:
- Yoga
- Cycling
- Elliptical
- Tai chi
Health benefits of swimming
Swimming offers your joints mobility and exercise without the impact of other workouts like jogging and basketball. Water is an ideal medium for exercise because it creates resistance yet doesn’t strain your joints. Over time, swimming will improve your range of motion and strengthen the muscles surrounding your joints.
Swimming is a full body workout that uses a wide variety of muscles including the neck, back, shoulders, and legs. You are relying on your stomach and back muscles to power your legs and propel your body through the water. This improves your core strength.
Swimming is also a heart healthy activity that builds endurance. It involves intense use of the heart and lungs which strengthens them and makes them more efficient. Regular swimming exercise has the power to lower your heart rate, improve your blood pressure, and help with circulation. It’s estimated that you can burn 400-700 calories in an hour depending on your pace. Over time, you may notice your body looking leaner and fitter.
CMC is here for a happier, healthier you
Whether you are suffering from joint pain or not, swimming is one of the best heart-wise exercises you can do. Don’t let joint pain hold you back. Contact your doctor or CMC Orthopaedics and make a plan. No matter your age or health, we can get you moving and swimming toward better health.
