If you are considering installing a swimming pool at your home, you may have wondered, “Is it really worth it?” Some homeowners simply look at swimming pools as expensive recreation outlets when really, they are so much more! Did you know that swimming pools actually benefit your health? Here are 5 proven health benefits you could be experiencing from your own swimming pool:
1. Let’s start with one of the obvious ones. Exercise! If you use your pool to swim as a workout, you will experience tons of health benefits. Swimming is a great cardio activity because it keeps your heart rate up while avoiding hard impact on your joints. While it increases your cardiovascular fitness, swimming will also help you build muscle strength and endurance. As with any exercise, swimming will help you sleep better at night and put you in a better mood during the day.
2. This next one goes hand-in-hand with the first. All of that exercise in your swimming pool will help prevent disease. By swimming regularly, you can maintain a healthy weight and keep your heart and lungs healthy. This will help to prevent heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other problems that come from an inactive lifestyle.
3. As compared to other exercise choices, there are many health benefits that are unique to swimming. It is anti-inflammatory and soothing for muscles and bones—that’s why they use swimming pools for physical therapy. Swimming is also great for people with joint pain or those who want to exercise without the risk of falling.
4. We saved our favorite health benefit for last. Swimming pools provide a great way to relax and lower your stress and anxiety. Even just sitting out beside your pool can help to reduce stress and feel mentally refreshed after a long day. There is just something about being next to water that helps the body let go of tension. So, get outside, soak up some sunshine, maybe do some poolside yoga, and drink in this much-needed mental health benefit.