Health Benefits of Swimming for Diabetics
Whether you are young or old, staying active is an important part of maintaining your health and overall happiness.
Swimming is one of the best ways to stay healthy and have fun at the same time, especially during the summer months. Everyone should aim to reserve at least 30 minutes a day for exercise, so why not pair that with some fun in the sun?
Why Swimming?
Swimming is a great sport for people with sensitive joints and various health restrictions because it is easy to personalize your workouts. While working the cardiovascular system, swimming also stretches and relaxes the body, which will help relieve stress and calm the body mentally and physically.
Regular, consistently paced exercise helps to control glucose levels – something that is particularly important for diabetics. Swimming is a total body workout and a great way to burn calories, tone your muscles and lower your blood pressure and cholesterol. It can help make managing your diabetes easy and more fun!
Seven Tips for Swimming with Diabetes
As a diabetic, special considerations should be taken before heading to the pool:
- Arrive properly equipped: A bathing suit, goggles, swim cap and towel are standard for an efficient swim workout.
- Do not forget to apply sunscreen and take all the necessary sun safety precautions.
- Be sure to let your lifeguard know before entering the water that you have diabetes. This will ensure that proper care can be administered if it becomes necessary.
- Always bring a snack and keep tabs on your glucose levels.
- Consider joining a local pool or signing up for an aerobics class. It is a great way to meet people and stay motivated.
- Start slow and get comfortable in the water. Gradually increase the length of your workouts and try to make each lap faster than the last.
- Swimming is not just limited to pools! Make a trip out to the beach or a lake and get your exercise.
Sources: DiabeticLifestyle and About.com
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