The Benefits of Swimming

It is more than important to stay active as we age: sport helps preserve muscle mass, cognitive abilities and body balance: functions that tend to diminish over time. When it is the right activity for you, there can even be undeniable benefits for joint health and for controlling osteoarthritis symptoms. One of the activities to choose from is swimming, which has many benefits!

What is swimming?

In its broadest sense, the term swimming designates a set of activities practised in water. We can think of competitive swimming, synchronized swimming and diving, but also of more accessible aquatic activities. Thus, free swimming and aquafitness (aquagym, aqua-yoga, aqua-bike, etc.) are good ways of moving and improving our health with little risk to the body and joints.

Water sports: gentle on the joints and good for the muscles

Activities practised in water are particularly gentle on the joints. Indeed, water absorbs shocks and impacts. Therefore, you can enjoy the benefits of movement without running the risk of injuring yourself or worsening joint pain. In addition, water provides a beneficial feeling of weightlessness. Since the body floats at about 80%, it is possible to perform movements that would otherwise be much more difficult. In addition, water provides a certain resistance that helps maintain and strengthen the muscles in the entire body (arms, legs, trunk). These sports activities also significantly improve respiratory and cardiovascular capacities.

An activity that is particularly beneficial for arthritis or osteoarthritis

Swimming and aquafitness are therefore very suitable sports for people with osteoarthritis and joint pain. Some studies even show that the practice of these activities helps reduce the prevalence and symptoms (painful sensations, difficulties to move, etc.). This is because of the combined effects of swimming on the musculoskeletal system and overall well-being.

Joints: movements made in water help to strengthen the joints gently. Tendons and muscles are toned, which helps limit pain and improve the range of motion
Muscle toning: the various swimming styles and activities optimally affect specific muscle groups, mainly muscles in the arms, legs, chest and abdomen. In all cases, these muscles help support the joints
Bone health: swimming is said to have benefits for bone health, especially for women going through menopause
Better physical and mental health: the practice of sports helps control weight and thus prevent becoming overweight; that extra weight can put pressure on the joints. It also helps reduce stress and tension and improve sleep

To safely enjoy the benefits of swimming

As with all sports activities, certain conditions increase the benefits. In particular, it is important to repeat the activity several times a week to really impact your health. This is why it is important to like the sport you choose: it will be easier to want to do it. It is also essential to adapt the activity to your abilities. A professional (trainer, swimming instructor, physiotherapist) can help by developing a personalized training program.

Swimming is also a very accessible activity that can be practised in any season. In fact, many cities offer access to municipal pools and group classes, sometimes even free of charge!

Natural solutions to reduce joint pain

Even though swimming is a gentle sport for the joints, it is always more pleasant to do our favourite activities without pain! By adding Genacol products to your daily routine, you can reduce joint pain caused by osteoarthritis in addition to helping to maintain the entire structure of the joint healthy.

For example, Genacol Pain Relief is an exclusive formula supported by patented technologies that quickly relieve your joints thanks to its combination of AminoLock Collagen and Natural Eggshell Membrane. You can feel the results in 5 days! In this way, the product facilitates the movements needed for physical activity and helps us draw maximum benefits from it!