Published on July 14th, 2022

Though we are in the midst of winter and snowstorms plenty, we can't help but begin to dream about Summer! Whether you are at a local community pool, at a residential home pool, or traveling and enjoying a pool somewhere else, summer and swimming pools go hand in hand. Here are some reasons why going to the pool and swimming in the summer is so great!

1. It's great exercise

If you've been cooped up too long indoors or your muscles have grown stiff from the winter and you are aching to get moving again, there's no better way to become more active than swimming at the pool. Swimming is a great way to lengthen the body, stretch muscles and improve flexibility as well as improve cardio endurance. It is also a calorie torcher and is a full body workout--a 160 pound person can burn approximately 423 calories an hour swimming at a low or moderate pace, or 715 calories at a more vigorous pace, whereas walking at 3.5 miles an hour for 60 minutes may result in only 314 calories burned.* For kids, once they learn to swim they can also benefit from a more active lifestyle while being able to safely have fun at any pool party or vacation by the water!

2. Time at the pool builds social skills for both kids and adults

With increased time spent indoors and time sitting in front of computers for remote learning or remote working, our ability to use and learn social cues from others is highly diminished, as well as being limited to gatherings indoors. When virtual meetings do not have video, or if classes are more instruction based than interactive, adults and children alike exercise less and less of their social skills to communicate and pick up on facial expressions. Teamwork and communication skills can be negatively affected due to lack of meaningful social interaction. Spending time at the pool with family and friends not only allows for more active family bonding time, but also allows for safe outdoor social interactions while having lots fun making memories together. When you are at a community pool, you are surrounded by fellow swimmers and swim classes--surrounding yourself with people and engaging in social interaction is a great way to boost overall well-being and confidence. Parents and adults are able to see others in their community and bond, while children are able to see or make new friends--every new interaction with their peers helps them improve language, social skills, teamwork, compromise, coping with different emotions and more that at-home family interactions may not provide.

3. It is for everybody (mostly)

Swimming is an activity and sport that is neutral and low impact on its participant, with great health benefits that improve mobility, flexibility, physical strength and more. Regardless of your age, the exercise benefits from swimming can be reaped by all and is good for any fitness level. You can use it as your workout or to rehabilitate from injury, because the water resistance helps to strengthen muscles and joints without the harsh impact from landing on your feet on the ground. The pool is a safe place that most can dive into and enjoy!

4. Good for the mind too

In addition to allowing you to exercise social skills, the act of swimming and being in and around the pool has meditative, relaxing effects on the mind and body. As one may experience a "runner's high" from the adrenaline and endorphins released during a run or cycle session, the "swimmer's high" is the same when swimming through a pool. The repetitive process in swimming laps has a continuous stretching and strengthening affect and helps individuals to clear the mind and improve focus. Water also provides people with emotions of renewal and clarity. Not to mention, just being by the pool on a beautiful day, relaxing in a chair with your favorite book can be a great stress-reliever too!

5. Sleep Better

Studies show that regular aerobic exercise improves the quality of sleep in adults and older adults with insomnia--aerobic exercise includes swimming, cycling, running, using an elliptical or Stairmaster, and more. In a study with older adults with insomnia, participants reported having better quality of life and improved sleep after regular exercise sessions. If you're looking to catch a more restful sleep, swimming is an easily accessible, low impact way to catch those Z's.

6. It's Affordable (Usually)

Many clubs and community pools offer discounted rates for memberships. Your employer or school may have a partnership with a local fitness club with a pool, or may offer reimbursements for joining a fitness program, so check with your employer or health insurance. At the Berkeley Heights Community Pool at the YMCA, active YMCA memberships (including families with active Youth Memberships) can get discounted rates for their BHCP memberships! Additionally, take advantage of our Early Bird Savings offer to save even more by registering by February 28, 2021!

Original Article: 6 Great Reasons to Go to the Pool this Summer