The focus of the current review is on such a sport as swimming, its health benefits, and its effects on physical and psychological well-being. Undoubtedly, this activity is sufficiently enjoyable, but its ability to promote well-being and physical fitness should likewise be evaluated.
To start, swimming has been proven to provide cognitive advantages. It raises brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) production, which helps generate new brain cells and repairs damaged ones (Asp, 2022). Furthermore, studies have discovered that swimming can enhance blood flow to the brain, enhancing cognitive function and memory retention. Moreover, swimming is beneficial for the effective functioning of the human cardiovascular system. It is an effective method to reduce the risk of hypertension and heart disease (House et al., 2023). The effect of swimming on the supply of oxygen to muscle tissues and blood flow helps to lower blood pressure (Bușe & Georgescu, 2023).
Swimming is a minimally traumatic exercise that most people can do if they follow safe practices. It can help improve respiratory health and lung capacity parallel to strengthening the muscular frame. It enables deep breathing, which aids in increasing lung capacity and improving overall respiratory health (Hadiansyah et al., 2022). It is also excellent for mental health: its rhythmic and repetitive nature can have a calming effect on the mind, lowering stress and anxiety levels (“Swimming – health benefits,” n.d.). For people who enjoy swimming, it can stimulate the production of endorphins associated with feelings of happiness and increased mood. In addition, for those with diabetes, swimming is a suitable form of exercise, improving insulin sensitivity and lowering blood sugar levels. This fact makes it a worthy option to consider when treating diabetes symptoms. In addition, water sports are ways to develop flexibility and muscle strength because of the involvement of almost all major muscle groups without increasing stress on the joints.
To summarize, swimming and other water sports are effective ways to improve both the body’s physical capabilities and psychological condition if a person has a positive attitude toward the process. Many benefits can be listed: reduced risk of hypertension and heart disease, improved brain and nervous system function, lung development, fortified mental health, increased muscle strength and flexibility of the body and ligaments. Thus, adding this activity to a sporting schedule can give a person access to all these factors contributing to a healthy and long life.
References
Asp, K. (2022). 9 health benefits of swimming. EverydayHealth.com. Web.
Bușe, P., & Georgescu, L. (2023). The effect of swimming on some muscular parameters in the training of the medical students members of the handball team. Revista Romaneasca pentru Educatie Multidimensionala, 15(1), 1-12. Web.
Swimming – health benefits. (n.d.). Better Health Channel. Web.
Hadiansyah, M. C., Hartono, A. S., Prakoso, B. W., Ardiansyah, F. N., & Billiandri, B. (2022). The benefits of swimming on the lungs vital capacity. Sports Medicine Curiosity Journal, 1(1), 35-40. Web.
House, L., Fargo, M., & Wilkins, B. (2023). 12 reasons you should take up swimming in 2023. Women’s Health. Web.