5 Benefits of Swimming Outdoors

Swimming outdoors is a unique experience and it’s no surprise more people are taking it on in their free time. In an increasingly digital world, people are looking for experiences that connect them to nature. Benefits of swimming outdoors provides stress relief, promotes better mood and sleep, and can help improve mental health. Below we explore five reasons why you should consider trying outdoor swimming this summer season.

Low-Impact Exercise

Low-impact exercise is a major benefit to swimming outdoors and can be enjoyed by all ages. It puts minimal stress on your joints and bones, which makes it ideal if you’re recovering from an injury or trying to protect your body as you age.  Because swimming is so safe for people with joint pain, it’s also a good alternative to running or sports that can cause increased damage to the body over time. If you have any type of joint pain—whether it be from arthritis or another medical condition—swimming can increase your activity without aggravating issues further.

Full-Body Workout

Another big benefit of swimming outdoors is it provides a full-body exercise. It works out your arms, legs, and core in ways that other exercises can’t. Because you need to use your entire body to swim and stay above water, every muscle group is worked at once, for an extended period of time. This helps increase strength and endurance, in addition to improving cardiovascular health.

Stress Reducer

Swimming is known to relieve stress, making it the perfect activity for your next vacation.  The gentle movements of the water help relieve tension and relax muscles. This translates into an overall feeling of calmness and well-being, which only enhances your experience while swimming outdoors.

Mental Health Promoter

In addition to relieving short-term stress, swimming outdoors is a great way to improve your overall mental health. Being in nature has been shown to reduce stress and depression and taking a swim can add to your outdoor experience. Plus, it’s a great way to strengthen relationships with others as you spend time together at the pool or beach.

Better Sleep

You may be surprised to learn that a benefit of swimming outdoors can help you sleep better. When you swim outdoors, you are exposed to natural sunlight, which has a calming effect on your body and mind. This influences your circadian rhythm and helps promote healthier sleeping patterns.

While it may seem intimidating at first, many of us are already familiar with swimming in a pool. You can start short distances and build from there, making sure to take breaks when needed.  If you are looking to take a swimming break and relax in your own backyard, Blockco Pools offers affordable lap pool designs that can be customized for your space.

The next time you need a break from the hustle and bustle of life, consider heading outdoors for a swim in your backyard lap pool!  Contact our Blockco team today to see how you can make it happen.