Get Healthwise with Danny: The Benefits of Swimming

DannyKnowsGraphic2Danny Gonzalez, RN for St. Mary Medical Center and Health and Wellness Coordinator for the Portage Township YMCA is here to answer all of your health-related questions. It's hard to know where to start when taking steps to better your health these days. Asking the questions are easy, but find the answers...that's another story. Lucky for us, Danny makes it easy with his clear and concise (and humorous) answers to our tough health questions. Get ready to get some knowledge dropped on you!

This week's question: What are the benefits of swimming and how does one start a program?

Danny G.: Swimming is AWESOME! It's a great cardio workout which challenges your body in ways that you can't simulate anywhere else. It's extremely easy on the joints and requiring very little in the way of overall skill (once you learn how to swim basic strokes, things get easy!). This is a great way to burn a ton of calories in very little time.St-Mary-Logo

How do you get started? First, find a pool near you that either has classes or open/lap swim times -Your local YMCAs, including the Portage YMCA, are a good place to start. Next, determine if you need lessons in learning the strokes and take them if you do. Adult lessons don't always mean teaching someone to swim, sometimes it means teaching them how to swim efficiently using a freestyle or backstroke, which can make swimming easier and more fun to do. Finally, start with a routine (10-15 minutes three times per week) that you can handle and build from there!

My personal advice: find a buddy, swimming is always more fun when you have someone to go with.

Do you have a question for Danny? Send your questions to share@ideasinmotionmedia.com with the subject title: Attention Danny G. You can also contact Danny at the Portage Township YMCA by calling 219-762-9622.

*Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice.