There are sports where we count kilometres, repetitions or calories burned. And then there is swimming – an activity that can give your whole body a workout while allowing your mind to take a break for a while. The combination of movement, water resistance and reduced strain on the musculoskeletal system makes swimming an appealing activity for people of different ages and fitness levels. And you don’t have to swim solely to improve your athletic performance. Sometimes, a few relaxed lengths of the pool are more than enough. We therefore looked at what happens to our bodies while swimming and why spending time in the water is worth including among your regular physical activities.

An activity that engages the whole body

When we swim, it is not just the movement of our arms or legs that propels us forward. Our shoulders, back, core and lower body all work together. At the same time, we are moving through water rather than air, and water creates natural resistance. This means that our muscles have to work with every stroke.

The combination of aerobic activity and muscle engagement is one of the major benefits of exercising in water. Harvard Health notes that swimming engages a large number of muscles, while the resistance of the water allows you to work both your muscular and cardiovascular systems. Joints can also benefit from an environment where they do not have to support the full weight of the body. When running, jumping or taking part in certain other sports, our bodies repeatedly have to absorb impact. In water, movement works somewhat differently. Buoyancy partially supports the body, reducing mechanical stress on the joints.

This is why exercising in a pool can be a pleasant alternative for people who do not feel comfortable with more intense activities on solid ground. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) points out that some people can exercise longer in water without increasing muscle or joint pain. Water-based activities are also used to support people with certain mobility problems, including some forms of arthritis. However, if you have a specific health condition or are recovering from surgery or an injury, the suitability and intensity of exercise should always be discussed with a doctor or physiotherapist.

Swimming is a workout for your fitness

Although movement in water may seem gentle, continuous swimming also works your cardiovascular system. Swimming is an aerobic activity, and its intensity can be easily adjusted. Some people can maintain a brisk pace and swim dozens of lengths, while others may benefit more from slower, gentler movement. The World Health Organization recommends that adults engage in approximately 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity per week, or 75–150 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity, or an equivalent combination of both. Swimming can therefore be one of the ways to incorporate regular physical activity into your routine in a pleasant and enjoyable form.

Water creates natural resistance

You may have noticed that even a simple movement of your arm is more demanding under water than in the air. Swimming takes advantage of exactly this principle. Water creates resistance in different directions, meaning that your body is constantly working as you move. You do not need weights or exercise machines. Even simple movements in a swimming pool can engage your muscles in a completely different way than the same movements on land. Another advantage is that you can largely control the intensity yourself – by adjusting your speed, swimming style and the length of your workout.

Your mind can relax in the water too

Healthy movement is not only about muscles, fitness or the numbers on a fitness tracker. How we feel afterwards matters too. The WHO states that regular physical activity has a positive impact not only on physical health but also on mental well-being, sleep and cognitive health. The CDC also highlights the connection between water-based activities and improved mood. Swimming has its own natural rhythm.

You don't have to be a competitive swimmer

One of the great advantages of a swimming pool is that it is not reserved for athletes. If you have not swum for a long time, simply start with a shorter time in the water and gradually increase it. You do not have to chase speed or personal records. The WHO emphasises a simple but important idea: some physical activity is better than none, and people who do not exercise regularly can start with smaller amounts of movement and gradually increase the frequency or intensity. Sometimes, the best place to start is simply by getting into the water. Swimming and relaxation naturally go hand in hand. Imagine a morning without rushing. Instead of reaching for your phone, swim a few lengths of the pool. Then enjoy breakfast, take a walk around Piešťany and finish the day with some well-deserved relaxation. That is the beauty of swimming during a holiday or wellness stay. Exercise does not have to be another item on your schedule that you have to force yourself to do. It can naturally become part of your stay. And perhaps your holiday will be where you develop a habit that you take home with you.

Go for a swim during your stay at Hotel Park Piešťany

If you would like to combine active movement with relaxation, at Hotel Park Piešťany you have water literally within reach. Our Wellness & Medical Centre includes an indoor swimming pool, providing a space for recreational swimming as well as simply enjoying some peaceful time in the water. Indoor swimming pool at Hotel Park Piešťany After swimming a few lengths, you don't have to go anywhere. You can combine your time in the water with further relaxation in the wellness centre and enjoy the sauna, whirlpool, massage or one of our other treatments. Give yourself a break that has meaning. Take some time for yourself. Whether you visit us for a wellness stay, a holiday in Piešťany or simply want to enjoy a swim, the pool can be a place where you do something good for your fitness while also slowing down for a while. Because sometimes, a few lengths are all it takes to give your day a completely different rhythm.