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Looking for a low-impact exercise that’s good for your joints? Find your way to a local pool at the YMCA or community center.
Swimming is a great option for exercise that’s easy on the joints. The buoyancy of the water supports body weight and reduces stress on the joints, while letting you still get a great workout in. Whether you have arthritis, lower back pain, a sprain or are recovering from hip or knee replacements, swimming is a great way to get back into shape. Many seniors find this to be a great low-impact exercise, to be enjoyed regardless of age. You can also try a heated pool to reduce joint pain.
Not only is swimming great for your joints, but it has other crucial health benefits. Swimming uses many different muscle groups and the water provides resistance for those muscles to work against. This allows you to build lean muscle and can lower your metabolism. Due to the resistance your muscles face, you can burn 400 to 500 more calories an hour exercising in the water.
Swimmers have also been shown to have lower heart rates (swimming is great for your heart), improved blood pressure, improved breathing and better circulation.
