| This Summer, Swim Your Way to Better Health
Swimming, for both adults and children, is an excellent way to tone the body because it develops the muscles of the upper body and the cardio-respiratory system (Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol 1995;71:295-300) without the wear and tear that can stem from other types of aerobic exercise. And swimming doesn’t just improve your fitness level. When used in conjunction with other therapies, experts find that it prevents obesity, depression, heart disease and even asthma. Because water supports body weight, athletes can achieve the aerobic exercise benefits of running without the gravitational stress associated with the sport. This is especially beneficial after suffering an injury. In one study, runners who experienced low-back and hip pain substituted swimming along with chiropractic care. The result was a significant reduction in pain (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2005;28:e 1-7). So, this summer, we encourage you to jump into the pool or lake with the entire family. But don’t just splash around. Start doing laps or water aerobics.Dr. Barbara Smith |
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