Page 16 - Boca Club News - October '22

Page 16, Boca Club News

From The Professionals’ Desks

Healthy Answers – A Guide to Healthy Living:

“Swim Your Way to Well-being!”

By Dale Brown, B.S., M.A., C.E.C. The hot, humid days of summer are finally over…the as well. Let me tell you about a friend of ours named
Dale is a motivational speaker who season has begun! It’s time to get back in the groove to Alex, whose dedication to his sport is nothing less than
has spent many years as a Certified enjoying the outdoors. It’s a wonderful time to walk, bike, exceptional. Although he swam in college, it wasn’t until
Life Coach and has written numerous or run off those unwanted pounds and bank calories in the age of 77 that he entered the competitive arena and was
articles and e-books relating to self- preparation for the upcoming holidays. It’s an admirable named All American for having the fastest time in relay
improvement and ways to build a goal, but what if high impact sports are not for you? events. Alex has competed in Master Championships on
high-performance team. She is the You might be looking for a healthy alternative that’s the national and international level and amassed quite a
author of the recently published book, easy on your joints and makes you feel good, too. So, collection of medals and trophies.
“Small Steps...Big Changes: The why not give swimming a try? Most pools are heated To Alex, it is the “feeling of belonging” that has been
Personal Stories of a Life Coach.” Her education and years and available all year long. It’ll help you burn calories, the greatest gift. “It’s given me an understanding of a
of experience in physical fitness and training of elite athletes strengthen your body, and lift your spirits at the same time. different segment of life, offered opportunities to be part of
has enabled her to sharpen her knowledge in many health- Every type of exercise is beneficial, but studies show a team, and fostered lasting friendships. It’s like a tight knit
related areas. The following introduces a new approach to that swimming is unlike any other aerobic workout for a group of wonderful people, athletes and coaches alike.”
Ms. Brown’s series of columns devoted to many topics that number of good reasons. Just ask my husband, who swears If you’re thinking that swimming laps is not your cup of
deal with the mind/body connection and the importance of that swimming laps three times a week ensures he gets a tea, try water aerobics, or aqua-fit classes, which provide
living a healthy lifestyle. Dale, a Bocaire resident, can be full body workout while providing “mood lifting” benefits. many of the same benefits. The coolness and buoyancy of
reached at dalebrown@lovingmondays.com. This is due to the release of endorphins, a hormone in your water supports up to 90% of your body’s weight, relieving
brain that simply makes you feel good. The mental health the burden that usually bothers your knees, hips and other
benefits of swimming may be felt whether you’re racing weight-bearing joints. Working hard in the pool helps to
or enjoying even a light swim. lower blood pressure and boosts your energy levels by
The breathing is what makes swimming aerobically increasing your metabolic rate.
different than other activities. On a run or bike ride, your Any exercise, but in particular swimming, is a great
breath tends to be shallower with forceful exhales. When way to increase your body’s ability for high-quality sleep.
you swim you breathe in quickly and deeply, letting the air This is because your body is expending more energy to
trickle out. This kind of breathing improves the strength of maintain your body temperature while in the water. Later,
your respiratory muscles and improves your cardiovascular when you begin to warm up, your body adapts as if you
endurance. were sitting in front of a hot fire after a cold day. It makes
The average calorie burn for 30 minutes of swimming is you sleepy and more relaxed, preparing you for a good
around 250, depending on which stroke you’re using. The night’s sleep.
butterfly takes the prize at the highest calories expended For those of us living in the Sunshine State, it’s easy
with 450, whereas the breaststroke comes in lowest at 200. to find a body of water to swim, float or tread water. The
Even if you’re not into counting laps, a leisurely swim most important thing is to stay active. Inactivity is often
can burn up to 300 calories an hour, double the amount responsible for people’s lack of energy. With just 30
of walking. minutes of swimming, walking, or biking three times a
Physical benefits are only part of what makes swimming week, along with a healthy diet, you are on your way to a
an ideal activity. There are psychological advantages healthier lifestyle.

Peggy

GOSSETT-

SEIDMAN

is a common-sense community leader who

understands the concerns of Boca Raton

and the Beaches.

ON NOVEMBER 8TH, VOTE FOR
Peggy GOSSETT-SEIDMAN www.PeggyForFL.com

FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE If you have any questions,

call Peggy on her cell:
Paid by Peggy Gossett-Seidman, Republican, for Florida House Representatives, District 91. 561-271-5050