How does swimming improve our balance?

We all know that little physical activity increases the risk of life-threatening health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. However, we hear far too little about how when we improve our balance we make a big contribution to fall prevention. Especially when we get older. Recent research has shown that swimming and water gymnastics are the best forms of physical activity to improve our balance with lifeguard course near me.

This information may not come as a complete surprise. But it's true: swimming improves our balance! After all, we already know that swimming has both mental and physical benefits. But this study has shown that swimming is the best physical exercise for the elderly, and that it can directly contribute to improving their sense of balance. Swimming can also help reduce injury from a previous fall, but most importantly, it can greatly reduce the risk of falling. Read on for more information!

Before we go any further, let's look at security first. If you cannot swim without someone else's help, you should not go swimming alone. We strongly recommend a “friend system” so that you never go swimming alone. Even if you are both good swimmers, it is advisable not to go swimming alone. A caregiver can help keep the elderly safe by providing support when entering and exiting the pool and when walking on wet and slippery surfaces. Bringing someone with you will allow you to enjoy the benefits of swimming without worrying about the dangers. As long as safety is a priority, you're all set!

Swimming and water gymnastics: why is it the best exercise for the elderly?

We already knew that swimming is good for our health, but now it has actually been proven thanks to various studies. For example, research conducted by the American Journal of Epidemiology shows that swimming and water exercises are the best forms of exercise to help older adults reduce their risk of falling. Swimming and water exercises improve our balance and strengthen our with Lifeguard Class Near Me.

the muscles in the core. This study is one of the first to compare which different types of physical exercise are beneficial for fall prevention. The general concern to improve balance has increased as falls and injuries in the elderly are becoming major public health problems. In some cases, falls can even lead to the premature death of the elderly. A fall happens more often than we think, and in situations that we do not associate with "falling risk". For example, during an innocent walk or when we are doing housework. It is therefore important that we are aware of this and take action to work on our own balance. Swimming is the perfect sport for that! Why? When we swim, our muscles and joints are not put under the same pressure as with strength training. Learn more about how swimming or water gymnastics can improve our body strength and flexibility.

Why walking isn't enough to prevent falls

For the elderly who are required by their doctor to practice moderate exercise, swimming is the perfect way to improve strength in their core and lower body. However, many elderly people are limited in the physical activities they can do. Walking is often popular among older people. While that's fine for staying active, it's not enough to improve our muscles and balance.

Why is swimming?

Swimming develops strong stable core muscles necessary for proper balance, an important factor in fall prevention. Unlike functional walking, swimming is considered a more complex motor activity.

Water is about 12 times denser than air. This means that, even if someone cannot swim, aqua jogging (water jogging) or walking in the water without us being aware of it, creates much more resistance. This is because we only carry 50% of our weight in the water. And when we are submerged up to our necks in water, but only have to carry 10% of our weight. So, the faster you run in the water, the more muscle you build.

Swimming and water gymnastics are also the fastest way to improve neuromuscular response after injury.

Unlike many other forms of exercise, the risk of injury is minimal due to the low impact of swimming. For this reason, it is an ideal choice for the elderly who want to stay in shape and maintain their physical and psychological health.