Extol Sports May 2017 | Page 41

“People come in all the time taking tours of the gym and asking details about how to use the equipment,” he said, “but rarely do they take us up on the pool side.” It’s worthwhile, said Johnson, “because the benefits of swimming are awesome.” BENEFITS OF THE SWIM On its website, www.usm.org, the U.S. Masters Swimming organization called swimming “the magic pill.” “Swimming might be the single best thing you can do to avoid the diseases that plague our sedentary society and to vastly improve the function of both your body and mind. . . . The health benefits of swimming – at any speed and any age – are enormous.” Among a long list of benefits the article lists are: PHYSICAL BENEFITS • Lowers blood pressure • Reduces bad cholesterol and raises good cholesterol • Aids in weight loss and weight maintenance • Benefits your immune system • Makes your heart a better and more efficient pump • Slows down the aging process • Reduces your risk for heart disease and diabetes • Reduces chronic pain, particularly from arthritis • Develops lung capacity and helps COPD and asthma • Exercises nearly every muscle in the body, especially if you swim all four strokes MENTAL BENEFITS • Improves problem solving skills and memory • Reduces stress • Reduces depression and anxiety • Offers relaxation through the repetitive nature of movement • Improves self-esteem and mental toughness “The concentration required of swimming – synchronizing arm or leg movements with breathing, making sure your hands are in the right position, produces neurotransmitters,” said Johnson. “Any time we’re challenging our brain mentally, we’ll reduce stress and anxiety, reduce mental fatigue and improve our confidence, which carries over out of the pool. “The total self: physical, mental and spiritual.” SOME BASIC EQUIPMENT TIPS The beauty of swimming is that all you pretty much need is a bathing suit and a towel. But here are some other considerations: THE SUIT For men, Johnson discourages anything that goes past the knees. “You want general flexibility around the knee.” A generic swimsuit is fine. Johnson’s has a 12-inch inseam and is cut three or four inches above the knee. “Believe me, you don’t need tight jammers or bikini-cut Speedos. That’s a tough thing to wear if you’re not real fit.” He also recommends something that ties and can be adjusted or tightened, “so you won’t lose your shorts.” For women, he recommends a one-piece over a two-piece. “You want comfort and support. It’s not the beach, you’re not tanning.” Johnson’s suit is 100-percent polyester, which he says will last longer. He said he’s had nylon shorts that faded quickly. But mostly, “wear whatever feels comfortable. Not everyone likes the way rayon or nylon feels.” GOGGLES Johnson said he doesn’t necessarily recommend them, but he knows some people’s eyes burn in the pool, or they want to be able to see where they’re going – or they might wear contact lenses. I f you’re going to use goggles, though, Johnson recommended investing in a good, large, well- fitting pair. “The most important thing in swimming is to reduce the barriers that ruin your experience. And if you don’t have a good pair of goggles and spend a lot of time fidgeting with them trying to get water out, that’s a barrier. 39