Swimming Is a Beneficial Sport for People with Disabilities ...

It?s possible that swimming is the perfect sport for people with disabilities. The benefits of swimming for these individuals are numerous. What?s more, swimming doesn?t take the hand/eye coordination that other sports require, therefore it can be excellent for someone who is not athletically inclined. For individuals who have disabilities, swimming may be the ideal tool for integrating more physical activity into daily life.

What are the benefits of swimming for someone with a disability?

Swimming?s benefits for an individual with a disability, such as paralysis, an amputation, paraplegia, etc., have been proven through many studies. Just a few of those benefits include:

? Swimming promotes a healthy weight ? As you are probably well aware, regular physical activity can help an individual achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Swimming is an excellent calorie burner and a good exercise for someone with a disability, as it is a ?barrier-free? sport. Has it been difficult in the past to get the amount of exercise you need for a healthy weight? If yes, swimming may be the healthy weight-promoter you have been looking for.

? Swimming can be ?personalized? ? Do you prefer group exercise or independent exercise? Whatever your preference, swimming can be tailored to it. If you love being around people when you work out, you can join a swim class. If you prefer to be alone, you can swim by yourself (if that?s possible)?it?s your choice.

? Swimming is economical ? The great thing about swimming is that it doesn?t usually require the amount of special equipment that other sports do. Usually the only fee for swimming is simply the cost to use a facility, which is generally reasonable. And if you have a friend or family member with a swimming pool, it can even be free!

Visit http://www.swimming-techniques-learn.com/Swimming-for-disabled.html to read about how swimming benefits individuals with particular types of disabilities.

Interested in getting involved in swimming?

Here are some action steps you can take if you have a disability and would like to get started swimming:

1. Call your local health clubs (community and private) to ask about rates of membership. Ask if the rates are cheaper for those who only use the swimming pool. Be sure and ask if the facilities are accessible for people with disabilities.

2. If you use a wheelchair, visit http://www.ehow.com/how_7791485_pool-wheelchair.html to read an article titled ?How to Get Into a Pool from a Wheelchair.? The information in this article can help you go from wheelchair to swimming pool with minimal stress.

Are you a swimmer with a disability?

If you swim fairly regularly and have a disability, we would love to hear your story of how you got started in this accessible sport. Leave a comment and let us know!

Sources:

http://www.disabled-world.com/fitness/exercise/swimming-exercise.php

http://www.swimming-techniques-learn.com/Swimming-for-disabled.html

Image made available by cdsessums on Flickr through Creative Commons License.

*Please note: All research for this article is compiled from direct and third party sources. Mention of programs, organizations and companies does not imply support of The National Benefit Authority. ?Pictures are for creative purposes only; they are not intended to sell or promote products for the NBA and belong to the accredited individual, organization or company.

What benefits do you think swimming has on people with disabilities?

What?s your disability? Has swimming been hard or easy for you to manage in light of your particular disability?

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Source: http://www.disabilityliving.ca/disability-canada-swimming-beneficial-sport-people-disabilities/

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