How Swimming Helps Boost Heart Health in All Ages

At Goldfish Swim School, we believe a healthy heart is a happy heart! It means more fun, more energy and a lot more Golden moments – no matter your age! For kiddos, it means more playtime, more swim time and more adventures. For adults, it means keeping up with those little fish while making memories and feeling your best. In honor of Heart Health Month this February, let’s celebrate and talk about the importance of keeping our hearts as happy as can be by staying active and making every beat count! 

When you think of keeping a nice healthy heart, swimming might not always be the first thing that comes to mind. But guess what? It’s one of the best ways to give your heart a workout – and it’s fun, too! Perfect for all ages, swimming is a great go-to for staying in shape and keeping your heart nice and healthy. Whether it’s grandma or grandpa taking the kiddos to Family Swim or the little one attending their first lessons — the benefits are always there!

At Goldfish Swim School, we’re big believers that swimming is a total game-changer for your heart (and the rest of your body!). Here’s why… 

Make it a priority to swim your way to a healthier heart

It Gets Your Heart Pumping!

Swimming is a cardio workout that gets your heart rate up and helps strengthen your heart muscle. As you swim, your heart works hard to pump blood to your muscles – building endurance and creating good heart health! 

Studies show that doing regular cardio (like swimming!) can help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol and even keep heart disease at bay! So, every lap you swim is doing a solid favor for your ticker!

It’s a Full-Body Workout

One of the coolest things about swimming is that it works your full body! Unlike running or lifting weights, swimming works just about every muscle in your body, while still being nice and gentle on your joints. Whether your swimming laps during a Swim Force Meet or just splashing around with friends during a Family Swim, your heart is working overtime to keep things flowing. 

Plus, you don’t have to be a pro swimmer to reap the benefits! Swimming is nice and easy to adjust to your fitness level, so you can keep your heart health up and body healthy while having a whole lot of fun! 

It Helps You Relax and Reduces Stress

Did you know stress is one of the biggest contributors to heart problems? Swimming is a fintastic way to de-stress and calm your mind. The combination of being in the water and doing rhythmic movements helps reduce anxiety, clear your mind and just feel good! Less stress = a healthier heart!

Learning how to give CPR, and feeling confident doing so, is a huge asset! 

Bonus: CPR Classes to Keep Your Heart Safe

It’s no secret that we’re committed to safety. Both in and out of the pool, keeping our bodies and our minds in their best condition isn’t something to take lightly! We know we’ve got it covered in the pool, but when kiddos are outside of our schools and away from our trained teams, it’s important that there’s an adult around that knows what to do in case of an emergency! 

Our friend, golden ambassador and World Champion swimmer Cullen Jones recalls his experience as a child that would go on to impact his life and passion for water safety advocacy, “I was there with my parents, there were lifeguards, the pools had just opened. My dad went down the waterslide first, I went down second. I had not had swim lessons and I was able to flip upside down and couldn’t get up. I didn’t know what to do and I had to be resuscitated. They say a child can have brain damage from being underwater for longer than 30 seconds, and I was well over 30 seconds.”

Goldfish Swim Schools in select markets are even offering community CPR classes to help educate parents and caregivers on how to respond in case of an emergency. It’s all about being prepared! After all, only 39% of bystanders feel confident in performing CPR! 

Last year, schools like Goldfish – Superior in Colorado offered these incredible classes and they were a huge hit! Knowing CPR could make all the difference in an emergency situation, and it’s a great way to be sure your family is equipped with the life-saving skills they need. Learning how to give CPR, and feeling confident doing so, is a huge asset! 

If you’re interested, check out the American Heart Association to learn more about where you can find CPR classes, or check with your local Goldfish Swim School!

Get Swimming for Your Heart Health!

This February, make it a priority to swim your way to a healthier heart! Whether it’s in a swim lesson or just some fun family time, it’s the perfect way to boost your heart health. 

Remember: a healthy heart is a happy heart! So, stay active and keep your heart in tip-top condition so you’re ready to soak up all of the incredible moments coming your way this year and beyond!