The aQuelle Midmar Mile – that I swam with several other Ballito folk, for the Midmoo Nutella Choccows (to raise money for children suffering with cancer) has come and gone – and we are moo ving on with life! Swimming is undoubtedly not everyone’s cup of tea, but I loved the exercise and the whole experience – and, in my book, it beats running!
It was mostly thanks to our unique, massive and scenically superb Thompson’s (no relation) Bay Pool that we were able to train for this world famous, fun event.
Many people I’ve chatted to about the Midmar swim have expressed interest in doing the next one. Even if they don’t make it, here are some great reasons WHY they should look at swimming as an exercise that will keep them young and healthy!
It Turns Back the Clock
Regular swimmers are biologically 20 years younger than their driver’s licenses say they are, according to research from Indiana University. Scientists say that, even up until your 70th birthday, swimming affects blood pressure, cholesterol levels, cardiovascular performance, central nervous system health, cognitive functioning, muscle mass, and blood chemistry to be much more similar to that of your younger self.
Swimming hits Otherwise Underworked Muscles
The same research points out that we need to work out often-neglected lats, deltoids, and traps. Plus, since swimming is about staying balanced and level in the water (while both your arms and legs are moving, mind you), swimming helps you develop the deep stabilizing muscles in your core and lower back that women often miss.
Swimming Makes You Smarter
Blood flow to the brain increased by up to 14 percent when men submerged themselves in water up to their hearts, according to a Journal of Physiology study. Researchers believe water’s pressure on the chest cavity may have something to do with it, and they are now studying whether water-based workouts improve blood flow to the brain better than do land-based ones. Stay tuned….. and see you at the pool!!