Many of us can remember when we were younger and we could spend hours upon hours swimming in the pool without feeling an ounce of muscle pain the next day. This is because being submerged in the water has a great way of cushioning our joints and protecting our bones. Aside from helping us beat the heat, swimming is a great form of exercise.

Since water adds twelve times more resistance than air, it helps us build muscle and strength faster. When we swim, we work all of the major muscles groups, including: shoulders, back, abdominal, legs, hips, and gluts. All of these muscles are working twelve times harder than if we were on land. This aids in producing exceptional muscle definition. Many people assume that water exercise is way too strenuous because of all of the added pressure; however, the truth is that swimming is one the most cushioned and safe forms of physical fitness. Water fitness is especially beneficial to those who find other forms of exercise painful. For instance, many people who suffer from arthritis commit themselves to this type of workout because it is a low impact type of exercise. Since people with arthritis suffer from stiff joints, swimming in a pool eliminates the possibility of injury. When on land, the impact of the exercise is much more intense on stiff joints. Nonetheless, if you are still skeptical about the safety of water fitness, perhaps knowing that athletes use water to rehabilitate after an injury may change your mind.

So how can you get started? Well, the easiest way to get started is to either hire a swim coach or join a local gym which offers swimming classes. Ten minutes of swimming is perfect if you are just starting out. From there you should try to build up to thirty minutes. Also remember to warm up before your session and to cool down after your session. Try to schedule your regimen anywhere from three to five times a week in order for it to be effective. Swimming is truly a great way to achieve a healthy and fit lifestyle without all of the muscle aches.