Why do people have custom pools designed for their backyard? It might seem like a simple question, but there are actually many answers to it. Some people just love the fun that can be had in a pool, while others see it as a great way to keep the kids busy on hot summer days in The Woodlands, Spring, and Houston. Other people want to have a place to host their friends, and a pool is just part of their backyard oasis. Still others are building a fancy new home and having a custom spa and pool installed is just what you do…after all, everyone else in the neighborhood has them.
But perhaps the best reason to own a pool is the health benefits that can be realized. Let’s take a look at a few of the really great ways that a pool can improve the health of everyone in your household.
Laps Are Great Cardio
Swimming in a pool is simply a great form of exercise. You’re expending quite a bit of energy moving through the water, especially when you’re doing something intentionally such as laps. The water is providing resistance (more on that below), meaning that you have to exert more energy in order to move through it. Sure, that’s great for building muscle, but it’s also causing you to get your heart moving. This will help to build endurance in every aspect of your life.
Swimming is also great because it gets your entire body moving. Running can strengthen the legs, but the arms aren’t experiencing any growth. Weight lifting helps the upper body but not the legs. When you swim, your entire body is involved.
It Burns Calories
Swimming is a great way to burn calories if you’re trying to lose weight. Laps can burn over 400 calories an hour, even at a moderate pace. Of course losing weight is going to help you out in many aspects of your life, whether you’re trying to avoid diabetes or a heart attack.
Pool Exercise Is Low Impact
If you ask just about anyone over the age of 35 what they don’t like about running, it’s the harsh impact they receive every time their feet hit the ground. When you’re young, impact from exercise isn’t such a big deal. But as we age, the cartilage in our joints starts to break down and there’s not as much cushioning between our bones. Not only can this be uncomfortable, but it can also lead to poor joint health.
Swimming is great because it doesn’t have nearly as much impact associated with it as other types of land-based exercise. That makes it an excellent option for anyone who wants to make the most of their exercise time, including the elderly who may no longer be able to run (and who could suffer if they fall.)
You’re Still Getting Resistance
You might be thinking “isn’t impact good for bones?” It’s true that bones need to be used in order to stay strong, to ensure they don’t atrophy. But it’s not necessarily impact that you need so much as it is resistance. As lifting weights shows, resistance strengthens bones as well as impact exercises.
Pools offer such great exercise because they’re offering constant resistance. While you might be able to wave your arms through the air easily, the water slows you down quite a bit. Basically, pools are helping to strengthen your bones and your muscles at the same time.
It’s Relaxing
One of the great parts of having a custom spa and pool is that it’s not just one thing. A pool can be exciting on the weekend when you have a dozen friends over, or it can provide a relaxing evening swim. If you have swimming pool water features added — such as fountains, scupper, or waterfalls — the constant sound of water can be quite soothing. Taking the stress off can be great for heart health.
Of course, we haven’t even talked about the benefits of getting a custom spa installed. Spas are an amazing way to relax as the jets of water take away the stress of the day. We can create a spa that perfectly fits in with everything else in your backyard.
Sleeping
One of the great parts about swimming is that you’re getting great exercise and you might not even realize it. Swimming is great fun and can really tire you out, which can make getting a good night’s rest even easier. Better sleep simply leads to better health.
Learning To Swim Better
To put it simply, swimming in a pool can make you a better swimmer. And if you ever find yourself in a dangerous situation where you’re swimming for your life, you’ll have a better chance of survival if you are a better swimmer.
Improve Your Mood
Exercise is proven to improve the moods of most people, simply because the body is releasing endorphins. As they say, the best exercise is one that you will stick with, and swimming in a pool is a pretty fun way to get exercise…many times because you aren’t even aware of how much exercise you’re getting.
Of course, swimming can also be a great option because…
It’s Social
Studies show time and again that being social extends people’s lives, and there are few things more social than having people over to enjoy your custom pool! Having people over, grilling, talking, socializing, laughing…all of these can come together and actually improve your health.
Ready To Get Your Custom Pool Designed and Installed?
Perhaps the greatest part of having a pool is that it can offer so much while still being incredibly fun. Yes, it’s helping you exercise and stay healthy, but you might not even notice how much exercise you’re getting from it because you’re simply enjoying it so much. And as we’ve mentioned, it’s not just the exercise that’s so important but also the relaxing aspect of it as well. We can even put in a lazy river for you!
If you’re convinced that a pool is right for you, we’d love to talk with you about what our custom pool builders can do for you. When you’re ready for that pool in Spring, Houston, or The Woodlands, contact Hipp Pools to make it happen!