The benefits of swimming

How it Started……..

I’m not really a natural swimmer. I was always a bit nervous around water and although I could manage not to drown, that was about as good as it got! Then around five years ago when we were on our honeymoon in Madeira (a beautiful hotel by the way link here ) my husband decided he’d teach me to swim properly. I started in the sea pool, which was easy because of the buoyancy and it wasn’t too deep so I felt confident to keep trying. I then moved on to the ‘big pool’ and happily spent the rest of the honeymoon improving my swimming.

When I got back to the UK I was keen to carry on swimming and so I joined my local leisure centre and from there I built up to doing forty lengths, three times a week. There are many benefits to swimming regularly. Swimming is an excellent, low-impact workout that offers a wealth of physical and mental health benefits. One of its primary advantages is that it works the entire body without putting stress on the joints. This makes it ideal for people of all ages and fitness levels, particularly those with joint issues or arthritis. When you swim, you engage multiple muscle groups—arms, legs, core, and back—which helps tone the body and improve strength. Swimming is also a fantastic cardiovascular exercise that increases heart rate and lung capacity, improving endurance and supporting heart health. It also reduces the risk of chronic diseases like hypertension and type 2 diabetes.

Beyond physical benefits, swimming can positively impact mental well-being. The rhythmic nature of swimming can reduce stress, anxiety, and even symptoms of depression. It does that by promoting the release of endorphins, the body’s “feel-good” hormones. Being in water can also have a meditative effect. The act of gliding through water creates a sense of calm and relaxation, making it an effective way to reset the mind. Additionally, swimming is versatile—it can be enjoyed alone as a peaceful workout or in a group setting to build social connections, adding a sense of community and support that enriches the overall experience.

Where I am now……..

Fast forward to this summer and for some unknown reason I woke up and decided I wanted to go sea swimming. It wasn’t a particularly sunny day, nor was it particularly warm. But for some reason I just felt like going for a dip……and so I put on my costume, cycled the mile down the hill to the lovely village of Mousehole and that was my first real sea swim in this country.

Swimming in the sea offers unique benefits that go beyond the typical pool experience, combining physical exercise with the rejuvenating effects of natural elements. The natural resistance of sea water enhances the workout, engaging muscles more effectively than in chlorinated water and providing a low-impact workout that’s gentle on joints. This resistance, along with the movement of the waves, helps tone muscles and build endurance in a refreshing, outdoor setting. Additionally, swimming in saltwater is beneficial for the skin, as the minerals in seawater, like magnesium and potassium, can help to soften and exfoliate, leaving skin feeling revitalized.

Beyond physical fitness, swimming in the sea has profound mental health benefits. Immersion in natural water stimulates the body’s release of endorphins, promoting a sense of calm and well-being. The open space, fresh air, and connection with nature have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, acting as a natural mood booster. Exposure to sunlight also supports vitamin D production, which is essential for bone health, immune support, and energy levels.

Because I want to carry on swimming in the sea throughout the winter, I decided to enrol in a sea swimming experience run by the amazing Sarah Walsh . The day was part of Carbis Bay Estates wellness week and I would highly recommend booking a session next time they are available.