|
Arthritis? Go swimming! As we grow old, our bodies lose their natural strength and vigor. When we reach a certain age, activities that we found easy to do in the past become more difficult and, sometimes, nearly impossible. One reason for that is arthritis. Arthritis commonly comes into our lives when we reach our senior years. And when it hits, it hits hard.
No more running, no more basketball, no more tennis, no more impact sports. What then? What can you do to keep fit? Fortunately there’s something you can do to keep fit and help relieve those aching joints as well. Go swimming! Swimming, as many swimmers will tell you, may just be the best form of exercise for the human body. Forget those expensive whole body workout systems on the TV shopping network, swimming is the real thing, and it costs much, much less. Swimming is a total body workout. It works out your arms, back, legs, thighs, glutes, and abs. It also strengthens your heart endurance. And best of all, for seniors it’s very, very low impact thanks to the water’s buoyancy.
Also, most pools are temperature-controlled so it’s not too cold or too warm; ideal for relieving arthritis-related pain and stiffness.
Best of all, you really don’t even need to know how to swim. Even just exercising in warm water is good enough to give you a workout and raise your body temperature. The combination of the exercise and the warmth of the water will cause your blood vessels to dilate and increase circulation, great for relieving those aching joints. Gearing Up
As mentioned, swimming is inexpensive, but like all sports and workouts, you must equip yourself properly, both for safety and to get the most out of your workout. The basics are inexpensive and you might have them in your closet right now. A swimsuit, a pair of goggles, and a swim cap (optional) is all you really need.
For those who prefer it, you may also try a buoyancy vest or kickboard (a styrofoam board you hang on to), and swimming fins. Swimming fins help you paddle more efficiently, but also make your legs work harder by giving them added resistance in both directions. Mixing It Up
Unlike group sports where you can play with many different people, or running where you can vary your tracks for different views, swimming can become a little boring especially if you go to the same pool every time. To combat the tedium, you can mix up your routine by joining water aerobics classes. There’s bound to be one at your local pool.
Alternatively, you can look for water sports clubs in your area such as water polo or water volleyball groups to mix in some competitive fun. Now, a Few Precautions
Swimming in cold water causes you to lose body. This puts strain on your cardiovascular system. Avoid water that is too warm lest you overheat, which also stresses your system. If you’re a beginner, and find yourself gasping for air quickly, get in shape first. Try a few laps and just gradually increase as you feel yourself getting stronger. You could even walk or jog in place in the water to warm up. Now that you have all the basics down, it’s time to get in the pool and get yourself healthy. |
