Lifeguard swimming: 12 reasons that make it the best sport

Although swimming is often associated with summer, it is a physical activity that anyone can do at any time of the year.

1. Swimming is a popular sport

Not that we're suggesting you do it, because everyone else is doing it - if everyone else was falling off a bridge, that doesn't mean it's something we have to do, right? Lifeguard recertification and swimming is popular for a good reason, or rather many good reasons, as you will find as you read on. According to a recent American survey, swimming ranks third among elective sports.

2. Enhances flexibility

The activity of swimming opposes the force of gravity, making it an ideal form of exercise that places minimal stress on bones and joints. If it is a heated pool, the muscles relax, increasing flexibility and allowing you to do stretching exercises as well. If you're doing vigorous muscle-building exercises—like running, cycling, or lifting weights—swimming helps flush out toxins, preventing stiffness and soreness the next day.

3. Burn calories

Swimming is one of the easiest and best ways to burn unwanted calories. With one hour of swimming, you burn about 500 calories. And apparently, these myths about athletes and calorie intake are real. Swimming increases your metabolism, continuing the "burn" for a while even after you stop swimming.

4. Swimming helps you quit smoking.

Seeing how little energy you have at first because of smoking will convince you to quit. If that doesn't work, there are also "No Smoking" signs on several beaches and even more at the pools. If you also know someone who is trying to quit smoking, you know that they can get very annoying. So dive in and swim - it works.

5. Improves body synchronization.

Swimming develops your body's motor coordination. Over two-thirds of your muscles are involved in this activity. Upper and lower body, head, legs, arms are forced to work together for a balanced effort.

6. Swimming improves posture

Our mother or grandmother always told us not to slouch. It's never too late. Swimming strengthens the joints and improves posture, correcting the posture of the spine.

7. Suitable for everyone

Old people swim. Toddlers swim. Everyone can swim. Swimming is good for all ages. Once you come into contact with water and start moving, your body remains untouched by time. I wish we felt as beautiful the rest of the hours!

8. Swimming is a holistic exercise

You hear some forms for exercises that involve the whole body. Perhaps, but swimming is the true all-round exercise: it targets everything from supporting your waist to toning your arms. No heavy equipment or weights. So instead of buying a lot of different fitness equipment for your muscles, you just dive into the sea or the pool.

9. Minimal equipment required

Attention, this does not mean that we swim naked. Unless of course you are on a nudist beach or in your own private pool. For the average person, swimming does not require special equipment. All you need is a swimsuit. The only extra accessories are the towel, goggles, earplugs and hat.

10. Swimming is the best aerobic exercise

Exactly. No more sweating on the machines, pounding and squishing in the gyms. Also, compared to running, more breath control is required, which creates an increased demand for oxygen, hardening the muscles without realizing it. Swimming also strengthens the heart, making it bigger and leading to better blood circulation.

11. The solution to the heat

It is no revelation that swimming is refreshing: when the temperature rises dangerously, the only relief for the body is in the water. It's a shame that most of the time on those hot days, everyone goes to the beaches and there is limited space to swim. Therefore, some prefer to enjoy swimming in the late afternoon and evening in a pool, under the stars. The world is gone and you don't need sunscreen. Just magic!

12. Swimming boosts self-confidence

This applies to any sport or physical activity. They build self-confidence and self-assurance. OK, you might not be a champion or win trophies, but regular swimming does it too. You will feel more energetic, ready to face everyday difficulties.