SCIENCE-BASED SWIMMING, BIOHACKING, HUMAN PERFORMANCE.Hi and thanks for checking out the very first post of my new blog, dedicated to spreading useful “stuff” not only about swimming but health, wellness, nutrition and how to hack a better and fitter life for yourself.My name is Barry and I have been coaching swimmers for over 30 years, I am the head coach of two thriving swim clubs and train other teachers.I am personally following another passion of mine, a journey of self-improvement both physically and mentally I will discuss all related bio-hacking, (paleo, keto and fitness-based lifestyles) and how this can or cannot be linked in with swimming performance. I want to encourage adults to incorporate this knowledge into a bespoke “self-improvement” plan and take control of their health.Not to get away from swimming for too long, swimmers in my club or anyone interested in swimming will hopefully get some good ideas about training and the mindset they need to benefit from their time in the pool.As we are back into the New Year 2020 and trying to recover our training momentum, I thought it would motivate everyone to remind us of 10 reasons swimming benefits your health and well being.
1. Swimming is a sport that you can do at any age and any ability, it’s a lifetime sport. You will stay virtually as there is hardly any impact on the joints at all.
2. Swimming can bring great benefits by stimulating your cardiovascular system (your heart and lungs), it’s known for its calorie-burning ability. You can burn 3 calories a mile per pound of your body weight at a leisurely pace so if you weigh 150 lbs (about 10.5 st) and swim at an easy pace you will be burning roughly 6 calories a minute – double the calories burned by a runner running at a 12-minute mile pace!
3. It builds muscle all over your body, some people have body types that can pack muscle on quicker than others, but you have to swim a lot of miles to change your body shape. You will find swimming strengthens your muscles quickly and you will work your core as well as your legs and upper body.
4. If you don’t like spending time exercising because you get hot and bothered and all sweaty then swimming is the answer. The water around you helps to regulate your body temperature and keep you cool. Just because you stay cool don’t forget to stay hydrated and keep a drink close to hand!
5. Swimming uses most of the muscles in the body and so can tone all over your body. This improves your mobility and physique, improving your functional fitness for everyday activities.
6. If you have recently suffered from an injury or just had an operation then swimming is a great rehab exercise as the gravity conditions allow you to do more movements whilst putting less weight on your joints.
7. Being able to swim can open a whole range of other sporting opportunities, such as scuba diving, surfing or sailing. Some jobs require that you are able to swim so it really can benefit every aspect of your life.
8. Learning to face challenges and face fears during your swim training helps you develop coping strategies for or job interview nerves in your future life.
9. Water can look beautiful, but be dangerous and if you know how to swim you have the ability to survive when non-swimmers may not.
10. A lot of us aren’t particularly confident in ourselves but swimming can be a fantastic self - esteem boost! When combining the de-stress nature of the sport, muscle toning and losing some weight you are sure to feel so much better! When you feel fit and healthy you start your journey to self-improvement now!
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