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Sink Your Stress at the Pool
Why pool workouts help you feel better mentally. Laps optional.
Ask swimmers why they swim and you’ll probably hear as much about mental health benefits as the physical ones. It’s relaxing and meditative, and a good swim washes the stress of the day away, they say.
Is it swimming? Or the water? Is it just the endorphin boost you can get from any exercise? What about the nearly 50% of the US adult population who do not consider themselves strong swimmers, according to the American Red Cross? Can they also get mood-boosting powers at the pool?
Indeed, science offers deep insights into the value of exercising in water — or even just being around the water. It turns out you don’t have to swim endless laps, or any laps, to reap the mental health rewards from working out at a pool.
Improved moods, decreased depression, and reduced anxiety were all positive findings in a comprehensive review of research on aquatic exercise and brain health. Multiple forms of aquatic exercise including water walking, group aquatic classes, swimming lessons, kicking with a board, lap, and competitive swimming have all been shown to be good for mental well being.
If it’s not just swimming, what makes working out in the water so suited for mental health?