5 Top Swimming Exercises for Seniors

Swimming and other water-based activities are considered to be beneficial for people of all ages. This belief is not unfounded, and scientific studies have shown a strong correlation between the feeling of well-being and swimming. 

However, you might be wondering if you’d be able to swim when you turn a certain age. You may also be curious to find out how swimming affects the aging process. Would it be wise for seniors to exercise at a local gym with pool in San Diego? Fortunately, you can dispel your worries with some expert tips, so read on!

Can swimming slow down aging?

This is a common question among swimming enthusiasts. It goes without doubt that water-based exercise enhances cardiovascular health, increased stamina, breathing, and better sleep. There’s strong proof that using aquatic exercise to relieve stress can impact your general physical health. 

Nevertheless, can swimming really slow down the aging process?  To answer this question, we need to take a closer look at how we age.

Aging is characterized by gradual decline of various systems in the body. This includes changes in vision, hearing, and cognition as well as decreased muscle mass and bone density. The good news is that you can prevent or delay these age-related changes by leading a healthy lifestyle. If swimming remains a part of your weekly regimen, you’re more likely to feel strong, relaxed, and rejuvenated for a longer time.

How does age affect swimming?

Normally, getting older doesn’t mean that you have to give up swimming. In fact, water-based exercise is recommended for seniors because it’s a low-impact activity that puts minimal stress on your joints. Swimming is also an excellent way to maintain muscle mass and improve joint flexibility.

How does age affect swimming

That being said, age can still affect your swimming ability in some ways. You should consider the following challenges: 

  • you may find that it takes longer to recover from strenuous workouts. 
  • you may need more time to warm up before swimming. 
  • you might need to take more breaks than at a younger age.
  • you may feel a gradual decrease in strength and endurance 

Whatever changes you experience, you should listen to your body and adjust your workouts accordingly. 

What are the best water-based activities for seniors? 

Some of the best water-based activities for seniors are swimming, aquatic therapy, and water aerobics. If you want to stay fit and healthy, consider some of the following water aerobic activities: 

Leg lifts

Leg lifts are a great way to tone your legs and improve motion range. To do this exercise, start by standing in waist-deep water with your feet shoulder-width apart. Slowly lift one leg straight out in front of you and hold for two seconds. Lower your leg back into the water and repeat with the other leg. 

Flutter kicking

This is yet another excellent leg toning exercise.s. To do this exercise, start by lying on your stomach in waist-deep water. Kick your legs up and down in a quick, fluttering motion. 

Arm curls

This exercise will help tone your arms and enhance your range of motion. Start by standing in waist-deep water with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms at your sides. Curl both arms up towards your chest, then back down to the starting position. 

Standing water push-ups

This is a great upper body exercise. Start by standing in chest-deep water with your feet shoulder-width apart and your hands at your sides. Bend your elbows and lower your body down into the water. Push back up to the starting position. 

What are the best water-based activities for seniors

Aqua jogging

Aqua jogging is a great way to get your heart pumping without putting too much stress on your joints. Start by standing in chest-deep water with your feet shoulder-width apart. Raise your knees up to hip level and start jogging in place. 

Where can I find a high-end gym with pool in San Diego, CA? 

If you’ve decided to lead a healthy lifestyle, the Plunge San Diego is the perfect choice. We are conveniently located within Mission Beach, where you can easily find us. We have extensive experience accommodating swimming and fitness enthusiasts in achieving their goals. Our experienced staff can help you pick the best workout regimen. Whether you’re looking for the best way to combine running and swimming, to tone your body, lose weight, or throw a poolside party, you’ll find everything you need at our premises.

Call us today and check out our membership options and swimming courses!

6 Benefits of Aquatic Exercise on Your Mental Health

Swimming has numerous physical benefits, but did you know that it can bring numerous benefits to your mental health? In fact, swimming and water aerobics can help alleviate stress, overcome anxiety, and help you cope with depression. Exercises in water are an amazing way to relax after a long day and to improve your mood. If you’re living in San Diego and looking for an enjoyable way to improve your mental wellbeing, it’s best to check highly rated local gyms with pools in your vicinity. 

If you want to find out more about all the perks of regular swimming for your body and soul, keep reading! 

Does water aerobics reduce stress?

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably noticed that physical exercises help reduce stress. There are a number of scientific studies to corroborate this common belief. The same applies to swimming and water aerobics. One scientific study showed that water-based exercises can help alleviate stress and improve coping mechanisms in people who are experiencing mild to moderate levels of stress.

Why do I feel so relaxed after swimming

Water aerobics is a great way to reduce stress because it: 

  • Is gentle on the body
  • Is suitable for all fitness levels
  • Can be done solo or in a group
  • Releases endorphins, which are feel-good hormones

Why do I feel so relaxed after swimming?

The body’s stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, are decreased by exercise. Swimming also helps to increase endorphins, which help your body to regulate pain and moods. Endorphins are responsible for the feelings of calm and optimism that many intensive workouts and swimming provide.

Swimming is a great way to relax because it lowers your heart rate and respiration, both of which are associated with stress. Additionally, swimming allows a greater range of motion that is soothing to your body and mind. With controlled breathing, and low impact on the joints, you’re more likely to feel relaxed. What’s more, with decreased stress levels, regular swimming and exercise can help you age well.

How does swimming improve mental health?

Swimming has a number of benefits that may be observed in people of all ages. There are a couple of reasons why swimming is so beneficial for your psychological well being: 

  1. Blue color – Swimming in a pool with blue walls or light has been scientifically shown to improve moods and cognitive function. Our brains tend to intuitively associate blue with serenity and calm. 
  2. Water buoyancy – Being in the water provides a sense of weightlessness that is both soothing and invigorating. This way, you’ll be able to feel better and work out without worrying about back pain, arthritis, or painful joints. 
  3. Improved focus – swimming is shown to help kids and young adults with attention issues, as it requires focus on arm pulls, leg kicks, and breath control. 
  4. Social interaction –  Swimming can give you a sense of community and support, which are both beneficial to mental health. It can be done in groups or with friends, making it a great way to connect with others. 
  5. Lower anxiety –   besides enhancing the production of endorphins, swimming can provide a sense of control over your environment and body, which can be helpful for those who struggle with anxiety. 
  6. Healthier brain – with improved blood flow and general cardiovascular health, your brain will receive more oxygen and nutrients, therefore your cognitive, sensory, and coordination skills will be improved. 

How does swimming improve mental health

Where in San Diego and the vicinity can I find a well-equipped gyms with a pool? 

You don’t have to waste your time on searching for a place where you can swim, exercise, and relax. The Plunge has been a household name in San Diego for nearly a century. Located within Mission Bay Park, our facility boasts a number of amenities that can accommodate both beginners and professional athletes. With the help of our staff, you’ll be able to learn which swimming strokes are beneficial for runners, pick the right gym exercises that can help you swim better, lose weight, tone your body, and achieve other fitness goals.

If you want to learn more about our membership programs or options to rent our pool for your private or corporate event, give us a call today!

7 Pool Party Activities for Toddlers

So, you’re about to surprise your toddler with a wonderful birthday celebration at the local swimming pool. That sounds really awesome, and what can possibly go wrong, right? Hopefully, you have given it a good thought and organized everything in detail. Without a clear plan of age-appropriate activities, your little one’s birthday bash can easily fall apart and turn into a whammy. 

Even if you’ve had a luxurious kids’ swim party rental in San Diego in mind, you need to pick the right timing and length of the event. Fortunately, there are certain ways in which you can ensure everyone is having a great time, so continue reading.

What is a good time for a kid’s pool party? 

Generally speaking, almost any poolside event is scheduled as a pre-dinner party. Firstly, you want to avoid the heatwave of the early afternoon hours. Your preschooler also needs to have his or her afternoon nap, so you should respect their daily routines. Given this, the typical time of day to start with the celebration is after 3:00 PM. 

Toddlers are known to be prone to becoming cranky if something goes out of their way. It’s a normal part of growing up, but it can be quite difficult to handle, as certain activities are can be a bit “too much” for them. So, are swimming pool bashes a good idea for kiddos? If you have a set-out plan of appropriate activities, and if you strictly follow the safety guidelines in and around the pool and make sure that everyone is taken care of, it’s a definite yes! 

How long should a toddler birthday party last?

If the party takes too long toddlers can become bored, tired, or nervous. Most parents and caregivers know that smaller children usually enjoy events that last about 1 – 2 hours. That’s more than enough time to plan some super-fun activities, greet your guests, serve some snacks, drinks, and birthday cake. 

Let’s take a look at some games that you can play to fill that time with joy and excitement. 

How long should a toddler birthday party last

What activities should I include in the plan for my toddler poolside bash? 

The possibilities are endless, but if you really want to be creative and make this birthday party memorable, and let the kids burn extra energy, consider the following seven games: 

1. Float racing

Floats come in many different shapes and forms – dolphins, alligators, flamingoes, rafts, etc. Make sure that all players stay on their floats as they race. This is a great swimming exercise, but make sure that kids have other competitive and group activities as well. 

2. Hungry Hippos

You’ll need a couple of raft floats, ball pit balls, and a couple of plastic baskets or buckets. One player pushes the raft, while the other one in the team collects the balls in the basket. The goal is to collect a greater amount of balls that are released in the center of the pool. 

3. Watermelon Push

This is a really fun activity, where two players try to move a fresh watermelon to the other side of the pool only with the help of their heads. It’s a good game that can help with coordination and leg strength in water. 

4. Squirt gun wars

You just need a couple of squirt guns, or if you’re thrifty, you can improvise and use recycled spray bottles. Kids of all ages love it, so don’t hesitate to include this activity in a toddler birthday bash. 

5. Beach ball bowling

This is a great way to play outside of the pool and toddlers love this activity. You just need one beach ball, pool noodles, an exercise mat, and a couple of items that will act as pins, such as bottles or cans. 

6. Sponge ball tag

Like with the squirt guns, this twist of the original tag game includes kids running around with a sponge ball, trying to “turn” as many kids as possible within a limited amount of time.

7. Water balloon pinata

Forget about candy, and hand water balloon pinatas around the yard instead. Let the kids burst as many as possible. This is going to be equally fun and refreshing in hot weather. 

What activities should I include in the plan for my toddler poolside bash

Where can we find the best kids’ swim party rental in San Diego, CA, and the vicinity?

When you wish to organize a special event for your toddler, the Plunge San Diego is at your service! You can also consider us when throwing a family get-together, poolside birthday for a group of teenagers, or a company team-building. We’re located just a couple of minutes from Bahia Point Beach, so it’s impossible to miss us. 

Our staff will be happy to assist you to keep the kids safe while swimming and playing around the water. You can also count on us to use some of the amenities and inflatables for your party. Contact us today to easily book your appointment or inquire about other options we offer!

Etiquette of Hosting a Kids Pool Party

Do you need some original ideas for your kids’ next birthday celebration? It’s hardly imaginable that you can beat a poolside get-together. However, when you decide to throw a birthday bash at your own pool, you’re taking on a lot of responsibility. Luckily for all the residents of San Diego, they can easily entertain their kids by organizing a swim party at an enclosed pool.

When you figure out the time and place, you need to do your homework in order for the event to run smoothly. Read on for some fun tips and tricks to make your kids’ event a blast!

What do you need for a kid’s pool party?

Whether you’re organizing a sweet sixteen celebration for a group of teens, or a small-scale poolside gathering for toddlers and their parents, you need:

  • Comprehensive list of guests
  • Invitation cards
  • Adequate food and drinks
  • Enough seating spaces for kids and parents
  • Plenty of shady spaces, if it’s an outdoors party
  • Dry and spare cooling towels for the kids
  • Birthday decorations – think garlands, decorative plates, paper flags, balloons, costumes, and so on. 
  • Music and entertainment – you have a variety of options: 
    • bring your own sound system 
    • let the kids pick their favorite playlist
    • use waterproof floating WiFi speakers 
    • hire a DJ or a live band 
    • book professional entertainers for the kids
  • Set of precautionary measures and safety rules for everyone involved, in order to prevent accidents
  • List of the group and individual activities for kids of different ages. This can include both swimming, pool, and lawn games. Make sure that you bring or rent the necessary equipment.

What should guests bring to a pool party

What kind of food do you serve at a pool party?

If you’re planning to host the birthday celebration at your own home, you’ll definitely have more freedom when it comes to food, as you’d be able to keep it refrigerated. However, let’s say that you’re renting a public pool space for 2 – 4 hours. In that case, it’s best to stick to snacks and drinks that can withstand the hot and humid environment. Moreover, you don’t want the kids to go swimming while they’re too full – this can be a bit unpleasant, although not dangerous. 

For instance, you can consider the following menu, especially as kids are always into finger food:

  • Fruit cones, as a colorful alternative to ice-cream
  • Watermelon on a stick, a healthier version of a popsicle
  • Chicken tacos
  • Garlic or olive bread fingers
  • Pretzel sticks
  • Pecan cookies
  • Homemade potato chips and sour creme dip
  • Bacon, veggie, and fruit skewers
  • Lobster and shrimp sliders

As for the drinks, you can replace the classic sugary beverages with some healthier, nourishing options: 

  • Lemonade with mint
  • Smoothies
  • Coconut shakes
  • Homemade ice-tea

Feel free to include some hot coffee and tea for other parents, and if possible, put alcoholic beverages outside of the menu.

What kind of food do you serve at a pool party

What should guests bring to a pool party?

You should inform your guests about the things that they should bring to the party so that they could fully enjoy the event. They should bring the following items: 

  • Swimsuit
  • Their own towels, if they feel more comfortable using them
  • A plastic bag where they can place their wet suit and towels
  • Sunscreen, if your event is taking place outdoors, on a sunny day
  • After-swimming lotions
  • Hair clips
  • Swimming goggles
  • Phone chargers
  • Pool-appropriate shoes – sandals or flip-flops

Where in San Diego & the area can I throw a safe and fun kid’s swim party?

Provided that you know how many people you’ll be inviting, you don’t have to look far to find the ideal place for your little one’s next birthday. Located just a block away from Mariner’s Point Park, the Plunge has been a household name for many generations in San Diego. 

Apart from bringing swim lessons for adults and children, a well-equipped fitness facility, and our renovated swimming pool, you can count on us if you want to rent the premises for your private or corporate purposes. Feel free to book your event by calling us today!

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