Howey the Dolphin here again, your local Water Safety Expert!
Did you know that dolphins are one of the fastest mammals in the ocean? It’s true! We’re really strong. We can swim up to 37mph in the water, thanks to our streamlined bodies and tails that can produce up to 400 pounds of thrust. Just compare that to the best Olympic swimmers at 70 pounds of thrust—it’s a big difference!
I don’t mean to brag, but you could say that we’re pretty fit! And part of the reason is that we get the best exercise around—we’re constantly swimming!
Swimming doesn’t just help us dolphins stay fit; it’s a full-body workout for humans, too. Swimming engages nearly every muscle group in your body, but it’s low-impact, so it doesn’t put as much stress on your joints as other exercises. In fact, children can burn up to 400-600 calories per hour just by swimming.
Now is the perfect time to get into swimming, especially since September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month! Pediatricians agree that keeping children fit and healthy requires a balance of exercise and proper nutrition. What better way to keep kids active than with fun swim lessons at your local swim school?
There are so many benefits to enrolling children in swim classes. Not only is it a full-body, low-impact workout, but here are just a few of my favorite reasons why swimming helps fight childhood obesity:
Swimming improves blood circulation, strengthens the heart, and enhances lung capacity. Regular swimming helps reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes, which are common concerns related to childhood obesity.
Studies show that children who engage in regular physical activities like swimming get better sleep at night. Quality sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy metabolism, reducing stress, and improving overall mood. For children struggling with obesity, better sleep can help regulate weight and energy levels.
Encouraging children to participate in activities like swimming early on helps them form lifelong healthy habits. At Houston Swim Club Swim School, we start lessons as early as 4 months! As kids grow, they can associate swimming with fun, making it an activity they’ll want to continue into adulthood.
One of my favorite things about swimming for kids is that it’s inclusive. Children of all fitness levels can participate, even those with physical limitations or weight concerns. The water’s resistance helps them build strength and burn calories at their own pace, and they can always adjust the intensity as needed.
While summer may be over and outdoor pools are closing, you can still keep your child active with indoor swim lessons. At Houston Swim Club, all of our locations feature indoor, heated pools so children can swim year-round. We offer swim classes for kids to learn proper technique, build skills, and even train for competitive swim teams. Plus, we have adult swim lessons so parents can get in on the fun and fitness, too!
If you're looking for a great way to help your child stay healthy and fit, enroll them in swim lessons today!
I hope to see you in the pool soon!
Written by Howey the Dolphin, Houston Swim Club Mascot & Water Safety Expert
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