“This is a guest post from Rafi Bar-Lev, a former combat medic in the IDF and founder of the community fitness site, Passionate Fitness. Check it out!” Thanks!
After I injured my knees while training in an elite IDF unit, I didn’t have many options when it came to keeping in shape. I couldn’t run, couldn’t speed walk, couldn’t jump rope, or really do any kind of high impact exercise. But my very few exercise options turned into a blessing in disguise when I discovered the best sport on the planet – swimming!
That was where I discovered two things. That most of the girls coming often looked really good, and that I was a really bad swimmer. Luckily, I found some videos to help me out and after a couple of weeks I was doing alright for myself. You can check out the videos I used over here (they’re really, really helpful).
Anyway, swimming proved to be a really, really great exercise to pick up. Here are 5 reasons that swimming will make you look and feel AMAZING:
1. Swimming is the highest calorie burning sport. Swimming burns more calories than any other sport. If you eat the same amount of food, and swim an hour a day, you will start burning fat in no time.
2. It tones and tightens your body. The motion of swimming is very much like doing high repetitions of light weights with extreme cardio. The result? It tightens and tones your body.
3. Knowing you’re going to be in a bathing suit will motivate you. You’ll probably find that knowing you’re going to be in a bathing suit 3 times a week will be a huge motivating factor in helping you to lose weight and look good.
4. It is soothing. Like taking a long shower, swimming can be extremely soothing to your muscles and help you relax after a stressful day. It is probably the only sport that is both relaxing and exhilarating at the same time!
5. Being a good swimmer might save your life. Alright, this is a bit more serious. But learning to swim well can prove to be one of the most important things for you to know. You never know when you might be out at sea or even if someone who can’t swim might accidentally fall in the pool. Knowing how to swim will give you the ability to save your life, or the life of someone else in those kind of situations.
So what are you waiting for? Go out and swim!
–
Rafi Bar-Lev
http://www.passionatefitness.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/rafibarlev
..
11:46 am on February 6th, 2010
Hi Jen! Another great tip! Swimming is something I never make enough time for but love to do. Reading this reminded me it’s something I need to work back into my routine.
12:18 pm on February 6th, 2010
Hey Stacey!! Thanks for stopping by!! Swimming is so great for you!! It’s seriously a whole body workout. I used to swim in competition during high school…I was extremely fit! Start swimming on the weekends…just make sure you go at least once a week and then you build up from there! Thanks for commenting!!
Thank you Rafi for a great guest post!!
Jen
Stacey wrote:
Jen-JensFitnessTips.com´s last blog ..Tip #41: Glute Lift
9:02 pm on February 6th, 2010
I did a lot of swimming last summer when I broke my toe. I felt so fit. The whole thing about just knowing you are getting in a suit being motivating is so true!
Diane Fit to the Finish´s last blog ..Appointment With The Dr. (Oz)!!!!!
9:57 pm on February 6th, 2010
No problem Jen. Thanks for the opportunity!
Rafi Bar-Lev´s last blog ..The Jump Rope – The Baddest Exercise Tool on the Planet
7:20 pm on February 7th, 2010
Knowinig you have to put your swim suit is motivation in itself to get fit and look great. Swimming is one of the best exercises to accomplish this. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!!
Jen
Diane Fit to the Finish wrote:
Jen-JensFitnessTips.com´s last blog ..5 Reasons Swimming Will Make You Look and Feel AMAZING…
7:21 pm on February 7th, 2010
Absolutely Rafi…anytime!! Great post!! Thank you!
Rafi Bar-Lev wrote:
Jen-JensFitnessTips.com´s last blog ..5 Reasons Swimming Will Make You Look and Feel AMAZING…
10:07 am on February 8th, 2010
I lost 30 pounds eating moderately and swimming laps. The best thing about swimming: You don’t sweat! The worst thing: That first shock of cold water. But I kept at it, and you’re right, it tones and reshapes your body. Walking never did a thing for me… and running? Forget it! Too sweaty an enterprise.
11:31 am on February 8th, 2010
Awesome job on your weight loss!! I believe it with swimming. I tone back up and lost the weight in college by swimming. It’s the whole body workout! Thanks for sharing and stopping by!
Jen
Nancy B. Kennedy wrote:
Jen-JensFitnessTips.com´s last blog ..5 Reasons Swimming Will Make You Look and Feel AMAZING…
9:52 am on February 9th, 2010
Great post, all great points on swimming. I started swimming for a bad hip (needs replacement). I’ve lost 25 lbs and the hip is MUCH better. (no surgery yet!) Too true about getting into the suit as a motivator (and I’m a dude!). The whole body workout is awesome. I now swim 3-4 times per week! Rafi, great video from Jimmy Shea! Great tips!
10:32 am on February 9th, 2010
Hey Max!
Thanks for commenting! Thanks Rafi for a great post!! We both love swimming so it was perfect!! Swimming is truly one of the best exercises. Awesome job on the weight loss. Keep it up. Thanks for stopping by!
Jen
max wrote:
Jen-JensFitnessTips.com´s last blog ..5 Reasons Swimming Will Make You Look and Feel AMAZING…
12:17 am on May 21st, 2010
i always use Swimming as may daily exercise, it is much better than jogging and running:”`
11:31 pm on May 23rd, 2010
I completely agree using the above comment, the internet is with a doubt growing into one of the most important medium of communication across the globe and its due to websites like this that ideas are spreading so quickly.
9:26 pm on August 1st, 2010
swimming is my favorite way of burning of those extra fats and calories;~’