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Open water swimming offers cardiovascular benefits, resistance training, and is easier on joints than land-based exercises. Cold water swimming is believed to improve circulation and boost the immune system, but safety precautions should be taken.
All the benefits of swimming are available to open water swimmers, and some swimmers claim that there are additional benefits to swimming outdoors, especially in cold weather. Swimming in general has significant cardiovascular benefits, and open water swimming often adds different levels of resistance and intensity. Before starting an open water swimming program, however, it is advisable to discuss it with a physician, as there are some risks.
Swimming gets your heart rate up and is an excellent form of heart conditioning. It also increases muscle strength and provides endurance benefits. Regular swimming, especially over long distances, can make people stronger and fitter. Athletes can use swimming as a cross-training tool to build endurance and vary their exercise routines.
This form of exercise also doesn’t create impact stress like running, aerobics, and other land-based exercises. Swimming is easier on bones and joints and this contributes to the conditioning effects of swimming. Open water swimming, where people swim in open-air bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and oceans, offers all of these benefits. Also, open water often has currents that can provide resistance. This will increase strength and muscle tone.
Some people refer to open water swimming as cold water swimming, referring to the fact that open bodies of water are not temperature controlled like swimming pools and therefore can get quite cold. Proponents believe that regular swimming in cold water conditions the body, improving circulation and boosting the immune system. Studies performed on open water swimmers seem to support the idea that habituation to cold water provides some health benefits.
Open water swimming is part of triathlon, a sporting event that combines cycling, running and swimming. There are also standalone swimming events. Both are offered in a variety of intensities and lengths for people at different fitness levels. Preparing for a swim meet or triathlon can be a good way to set a fitness goal and get in shape.
People interested in open water swimming should keep some safety tips in mind. Swimming with a friend is highly recommended. Also, people should not immerse themselves in cold water. Individuals who are not used to cold water can seriously injure themselves; there are risks of heart attack and inhaling water in cold shock. It is advisable to start by swimming in temperate waters in the warm months and slowly condition the body in the cold. In cold water baths, warm clothing should be available to change immediately after swimming.
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