Swimming: How to Stay Cool and Stay Fit This Summer
There’s truly nothing like a Louisiana summer (hello, humidity and mosquitoes), and we understand how hard it is to stay active when it’s this hot and humid. A good way to beat the heat while still getting a great workout is swimming. Swimming is an awesome form of cardio as well as a full-body workout. So, here are a few tips to remember the next time you make a splash:
Swim in the morning.
Swimming in the morning is not only a great wake-up call, but a cardio workout like swimming first thing in the morning leaves your body in a metabolic state ready to burn fat as energy the rest of the day.
Swim faster.
Swimming is a great calorie burner because it involves the entire body. It increases your heart rate and utilizes nearly every muscle in the body. The faster you swim, the faster your heart rate will rise, and the more calories your body will burn.
Use water weights in between laps.
Water weights are designed to use the water as resistance to build your strength rather than weighted material like traditional weights. You can incorporate water weights into your workout to increase the intensity and your overall results.
Try out water aerobics.
Water aerobics is exactly what it sounds like – an aerobics class in water. You can expect exercises like water walking, bicep curls and leg lifts, using the water as resistance. This is a great low-impact option for people who can’t participate in traditional aerobic exercises due to age or injuries.
Overall, swimming is a great way to stay cool while sticking to your exercise routine this summer.
The Rapides Foundation is a philanthropic organization that develops initiatives and provides grants to organizations in its nine-parish service area that share the Foundation’s Mission to improve the health status of Central Louisiana. Through its Healthy Behaviors Initiative, the Foundation addresses the health behavior priorities of tobacco prevention and control, alcohol/substance abuse prevention, healthy eating and active living. For more information, visit www.rapidesfoundation.org.
