Fairfax Community Pool opens June 5th!
The Fairfax Community Pool offers a variety of swim times; open swim, lessons, lap swim and special events!
Pool hours:
Monday – Friday
Lap Swim 10am – 11:30am and 7:45pm -9pm
Open Swim 1:30pm – 4:30pm and 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Saturday
Lap Swim 9am – 10:30am
Open Swim 12pm – 5pm
Sunday
Open Swim 12pm – 5pm
Swimming is an excellent way to work your entire body and cardiovascular system.
Swimming is one of the most popular activity in the United States. But why, exactly? There are a host of benefits you may gain from swimming laps regularly. Learn about the benefits of swimming and how to incorporate swimming into your routine.
Benefits
1. Works your whole body
One of the biggest benefits of swimming is that it truly works your entire body, head to toe. Swimming:
increases your heartrate without stressing your body
tones muscles
builds strength
builds endurance
There are various strokes you can use to add variety to your swimming workout, including:
breaststroke
backstroke
sidestroke
butterfly
freestyle
Each focuses on different muscle groups, and the water provides a gentle resistance. No matter what stroke you swim, you’re using most of your muscle groups to move your body through the water.
2. Works your insides, too
While your muscles are getting a good workout, your cardiovascular system is, too. Swimming makes your heart and lungs strong. Swimming is so good for you that researchers share it may even reduce your risk of death by lowering blood pressure and controlling blood sugar.
3. Is appropriate for people with injuries, arthritis, and other conditions
It is important to have your doctor’s approval before beginning or resuming any exercise program. Swimming can be a safe exercise option for most people with:
arthritis
injury
disability
other issues that make high-impact exercises difficult
Swimming may even help reduce some of your pain or improve your recovery from an injury. You may experience a reduction in joint pain and stiffness, and less physical limitation after engaging in activities like swimming.
4. Torches calories
Swimming is an efficient way to burn calories. A 160-pound person burns approximately 423 calories an hour while swimming laps at a low or moderate pace. That same person may burn up to 715 calories an hour swimming at a more vigorous pace. A 200-pound person doing the same activities would burn between 528 and 892 calories an hour. A 240-pound person might burn between 632 and 1,068.
5. Great for kids, too
Kids need aerobic exercise each day. It doesn’t need to feel like a chore either. Swimming is a fun activity and doesn’t necessarily feel like formal working out.
Your child can do either structured swimming lessons or be part of a swim team. Unstructured swim time is another solid option to get kids moving.
6. Affordable
Swimming may also be an affordable exercise option compared to some others, like cycling. Many pools offer reasonable rates to join. Some public schools and other centers offer swim hours for free, or for a sliding scale according to your income.
Getting started
To get started with swimming, you’ll first need to find a pool near you. Many gyms and community centers offer lap swimming times as well as water aerobics and aqua-jogging classes. You may want to make a list of the facilities in your area that have a pool, and visit to see which one works for your lifestyle and budget.
Swim lessons
People totally new to swimming may benefit from taking swimming lessons, which are offered in private or group settings. In lessons, you’ll learn different strokes, breathing techniques, and other handy tips for getting the most from your workout.
Risks
Swimming is safe for most people. As with any workout, there are certain risks associated with swimming. If you’re injured or have certain medical conditions, be sure to check with your doctor before swimming laps. In general, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor whenever you start a new exercise program.
People with skin conditions like psoriasis, for example, may get more irritated in the chlorinated pool water. Your doctor is your best resource for guidelines unique to your health.
Children should always be supervised when near water. Never let children swim alone to avoid the risk of drowning.
Takeaway
If you’re just getting started with an exercise program or if you’re looking to try something new, jump in the pool. Swimming has a host of benefits for your mind, body, and soul.
Once you get the basics down, try swimming laps for 20 to 40 minutes at a pace that keeps your heart rate elevated. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water and take breaks as necessary. Most of all, have fun!
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