Gym & Swimming: A Mistake or a Winning Combination?
The question of when, if, and how to combine cardiovascular exercises such as swimming and running with weightlifting and other anaerobic workouts is a common one many gym goers have wondered about for years.
The good news is, unless you have extremely specific exercise goals, mixing these two types of exercise by going to a gym near a pool in San Diego, CA, is almost certain to be beneficial for your long-term health. Read on to learn why!
Can I combine gym and swimming?
Combining gym and swimming can be an excellent way to achieve a well-rounded fitness routine. The benefits of water-based exercise are numerous, including improved cardiovascular health, increased muscular endurance, and reduced stress on the joints. Meanwhile, the gym can provide a more targeted approach to strength training and building muscle mass.
By engaging in both types of exercise, you can enjoy the benefits of both worlds. Swimming can be an excellent warm-up or cool-down activity for your gym workout. It can help loosen up tight muscles and increase blood flow to the working muscles, allowing you to perform at your best. Alternatively, you could use gym exercises to build strength and power, which can help improve your swimming performance.
What’s more, combining these two can also add variety to your fitness routine, which can help prevent boredom and plateaus. You can vary the intensity and duration of your workouts, mixing up cardio and strength training with swimming and weight lifting workouts.
Is it okay to go to the pool after gym?
Absolutely! Doing this can offer several benefits to the body, including improved cardiovascular health, reduced muscle soreness, increased flexibility, and faster recovery. Main benefits include:
Reduced Muscle Soreness
Swimming in cool water can help to soothe sore muscles after an intense weight lifting workout. The water provides a low-impact environment that helps to reduce the stress on the joints, allowing your muscles to relax and recover faster. The buoyancy of the water can also provide a gentle massage to the muscles, promoting blood flow and speeding up the recovery process.
Improved Cardiovascular Health
Swimming is a great cardiovascular exercise that can help improve heart health, lung capacity, and overall fitness. By combining these two types of workout, you can get the benefits of both, improving your cardiovascular health while building strength and endurance, and potentially also losing weight if that’s your goal.
Increased Flexibility
Swimming can help to increase flexibility and range of motion in the joints. After a gym workout, your muscles may be tight and stiff, making it difficult to move freely. It can also help stretch out the muscles and joints, reducing the risk of injury.
Enhanced Recovery
Swimming after a gym workout can enhance recovery by reducing inflammation and promoting blood flow to the muscles. The cool water in the pool can help to reduce swelling, while swimming itself helps to circulate blood and oxygen to the muscles.
Low-Impact Exercise
Water-based exercise is low-impact and easy on the joints, making it an ideal activity to do after a high-impact gym session. The water provides a cushion for the joints, reducing stress on the body. This can help to reduce the risk of injury and allow you to continue exercising even if you have joint pain or other issues.
Where can I find a quality gym near a pool in San Diego, CA?
If you’re looking for a top-notch swimming pool that is equipped with a modern gym, you can’t go wrong by visiting The Plunge San Diego in Belmont Park. In addition to providing facilities for exercise, we also offer endless opportunities for family-friendly fun, relaxation, and even private parties.
Pay us a visit today or reach out to us via phone if you’d like to make a reservation or ask any questions. We can’t wait to meet you!