When planning for a holiday and creating your excursions list, snorkeling is one of the activities you should include in the list. Snorkeling is one of the most enjoyable ocean sports that not only gives you the chance to view the beautiful underwater scene but also come tremendous health benefits. By snorkeling, you can get your entire body exercised in an exciting and fun way. It can soothe your stress, improve your joint mobility as well as your mental and cardiovascular health. Here are some few reasons why you will find it beneficial and exciting to take part in this fun-filled activity on your vacation.
1. It strengthens your muscles
Whether you have snorkeling fins on or not, you will be able to work out the entire body during the activity. Snorkeling can strengthen a number of important muscles throughout your body, such as your ankles, calves, quads, hip flexors, and hamstrings, among others. Because snorkeling is a full-body exercise, you will not only work out the bigger muscles but also several smaller ones that play a crucial role in preventing injuries and stabilizing your body. Snorkeling can also enhance your endurance and strength and can burn approximately 300 calories per hour. The activity, therefore, can help people struggling with weight gain and those that want to build muscles.
2. It is good for cardiovascular health
Snorkeling promotes your cardiovascular fitness because it increases your heart rate. It can make your heart stronger and reduce your risk of getting heart issues such as high blood pressure, heart failure, and coronary heart disease. Since you need to hold your breath for long while snorkeling, this will build your lung capacity and improve oxygenation.
3. It improves joint mobility
If you want to relieve pain joint pain and stiffness, then you might want to try snorkeling. The sport is particularly an excellent option for people whose mobility is limited due to obesity, stiffness and joint pain. While underwater, your buoyancy tends to prevent the pressure of your body weight on your joints. In fact, this ocean sport is recommended by healthcare professionals for those who suffer from obesity, rheumatoid arthritis as well as conditions that lead to inflammation, like neck problems. The mask and snorkel prevent the need for movements that can cause neck pain. As you become more experienced and comfortable with snorkeling, you can increase the intensity and duration of your sessions over time to improve your fitness.
4. Snorkeling improves mental health
Snorkeling is one of the sports that can help you relieve anxiety and stress. It does this by triggering the release of chemicals known as endorphins, which are responsible for making you feel better as well as increasing your self-confidence. Of course, you will need to control your breathing during snorkeling, and this will relax your body and mind just like meditation does. You’ll feel calmer and more at ease thanks to the pure relaxation this activity offers.
5. It Strengthens your respiratory System
6. It Decreases Your Fear of Water
It’s very much possible to snorkel while wearing a life vest. If you have a phobia of water, snorkeling can help you get rid of it. You are involving yourself into what you fear most, which is water, and this will help you overcome the fear.