The Benefits of Swimming That You Don't Get From Running

Running and swimming are both great work outs. But is one better than the other?
I think so. While running will give you a good cardiovascular work out, there are added benefits of swimming that you don’t get from running.
So let’s have a look at a few of them, shall we?
 

low impact

The first benefit of swimming over running is that it is a low impact workout.
Even with good shoes, running is a heavy impact workout. My ankles and my knees tend to hurt after running. It’s because of the repeated impact of my feet on the ground.
When swimming, I have none of those problems because I am not hammering my legs into the ground. I’m just gliding through the water.
I tend to recover faster from swims then I do from runs which means I’m more likely to go out again.
 

full body work out

The second benefit of swimming over running is getting that full body workout. When I run, my legs and my lungs get a work out- but that’s really it.
In comparison, when I finish a swim, I feel really done in because I use way more of my muscles.
I’m using my whole body as I stroke and kick. It’s not just my legs that move me through the water.
My arms, legs and core are helping me stay in form and stay on track.
 

Increased FLEXIBILITY

Now, I don’t know about you, but when I run I tend to tense up.
And I have to keep reminding my self to relax.
On the other hand, the whole motion of swimming encourages you to stretch and reach. This keeps you loose and helps you increase your flexibility.
 

you can swim at any age

The last benefit of swimming I wanted to mention is that you can swim at any age.
Due to the low impact nature of swimming, it is a great work out for even the oldest folks. It gives you a whole body work out and increased flexibility. Both of which are important when you age.
Running will wear you down but swimming will keep you happy and flexible for many years to come! And you can listen to music from any era to help motivate your swim with the Underwater Audio Waterproof iPod.
 

a final thought

While both running and swimming can give you many health benefits, swimming is the way to long term health happiness. If you have any comments please leave them below.