Did you know that the Red Cross performed a survey finding out that about 80% of Americans say that they can swim? Unfortunately, only about 56% of swimmers know how to perform the basic skills to save their life in the water.
No matter what age you are, learning to swim can save a life, and can also be a great and healthy exercise. You might wonder why you should try water sports yourself? Read on to explore the different reasons why you should get started in the water today!
1. Fun for the Whole Family
Today, about 61% of Americans say that they’re stressed out from work. Whether you’re doing recreational swimming or wakeboarding, it’s great fun for the whole family.
After a stressful day at work or school, many state that it’s relaxing to blow off some steam and go swimming. It’s also great to learn new skills and feel great about them. Whether you’re 65 or 5, the benefits of water sports are a great activity for various ages.
2. Great Exercise
Certain watersports are a great way to work your core muscles and burn some calories. Stand-up paddleboarding is a great way to exercise your entire body while having fun.
Swimming is another great workout because it’s the easiest way to get a full-body workout. It’s also a safe cardio workout since there’s little to no impact on your joints.
Even athletes who suffer injuries tend to turn to swimming. They’ll still be able to enjoy endurance work through swimming as well. Swimming is a low-impact activity that engages your core, lats, triceps, upper body, and legs.
3. Great for Those With Achy Joints
Certain water sports, including swimming, are great for those with arthritis. This is because you’ll be able to use your joints while swimming without making any of the symptoms worse. Hydrotherapy is a great option if you have rheumatoid arthritis.
4. Improves Mental Health
Swimming isn’t just about staying in shape and having fun but helping to reduce anxiety or depression as well. It can help improve your mood overall.
5. You Can Enjoy It Any Time of the Year
Swimming is a great sport year-round since you can enjoy it thanks to indoor pools. When you head off on vacation to a warm location, you can show off your swimming skills any time of the year.
6. Freedom
Many state that they feel liberated when they enjoy water sports. Whether it’s kayaking, swimming, or paddleboarding, you have options.
You can go out sailing or kayaking to untouched areas. It’s a great way for you to relax and enjoy the sounds of nature. Many enjoy kitesurfing since it’s a way to overcome the different winds and waves that you experience.
7. Helps Bone Density
For post-menopausal women and those who are older, running on a treadmill might not be the best option for your joints. Swimming, paddling, and canoeing are great ways to help to increase bone density.
8. Increase Stamina
Many water sports for beginners will include great anaerobic and aerobic exercise. This in turn will help to improve your stamina and endurance.
It also helps with your lung capacity since it’ll require you to hold your breath in intervals. Water sport events are another great way to increase your overall endurance.
9. Escape the Heat
In the summer months, many state that they love to go swimming to cool off after a long day. Water sports tend to be affordable and a great choice for the whole family to stay cool during the summer months.
10. Reduces Your Risk of a Heart Attack
Water sports help to strengthen your lungs and heart overall. You can enjoy half the risk of death compared to those who are sedentary. Even if you’re floating in the water, it can help with blood pressure and circulation.
11. Works for Different Body Types
While weight might be a concern with certain exercises, many water activities are safe. This is due to your weight being suspended while in the water. The water will allow you to push yourself further physically than is possible on land.
12. Learn New Activities
Whether you’re looking for a tranquil experience or to get your adrenaline pumping, there’s a water sport for you. Some thrill-seeking activities include flyboarding, water skiing, cliff diving, and wakeboarding.
For a safer extreme sport, you can look into kitesurfing. This is where you’ll be on a board and strapped into a waist harness.
You’ll have a large kite in the air. For more relaxed exercises you can do swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding.
The Best Water Sports
Some great water sports to start today include water polo, swimming, jet-skiing, and aqua jogging. Aqua jogging is where you have a flotation device and can run with your legs and arms in the pool.
Your feet won’t touch the floor during this. Another term for it is deepwater running.
Exploring the Different Reasons You Should Try Water Sports
After exploring this guide, you should have a better idea of the great reasons to try water sports today. Are you ready to get started swimming?
Whether you’re looking for swimming lessons for your child or lessons for adults, we have you covered! Check out our different Red Cross swim programs today.
Whatever your fitness need, our programs are science-based and focused on helping you achieve the maximum results in as little time as possible. From fitness enthusiasts to beginners, we have a program for you!
Have questions? We’re happy to help! Contact us today.
