Summer swimming not only beats the heat, but studies show it can help relieve both pregnancy and post-surgical pains. Pregnant women have long been excluded from most sports activities, and they might as well not even think about amusement park rides with the kids. Finally, there's a tested and approved activity that even Moms-to-Be can enjoy and benefit from.

Swimming helps strengthen abdominal and shoulder muscles, two muscle groups that are particularly strained during pregnancy. By strengthening these muscles, expecting mothers will feel more relaxed, as the muscles won't be as tense and stressed. The water exercises also reduce joint stiffness and pain, lowers blood pressure, and relieves general pregnancy discomfort.

Surgical patients, particularly breast cancer victims, can find strength in the water, as well. Swimming has been shown to strengthen the main muscle groups affected during a mastectomy, which include the abdomen and back. Building up these muscle groups helps post-mastectomy women adjust to and carry their new weight with ease. Swimming will also lessen the effects of muscle atrophy for any surgical or bed-ridden patient.

In order to make your swimming program as effective as it can be, make sure to talk to your doctor and a trained water exercise specialist. Your doctor will let you know when your body is strong enough to begin exercising, and your specialist can help you design a program that works for you. Like every form of exercise, remember to start off moderately and gradually increase. What are you waiting for? Grab the kids and head to the neighborhood pool! With a little time and effort, you'll be cooled off and pain free in no time.

Source:
www.cnn.com/health/library/HQ/00302.html
www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/fitness-basics-swimming-is-for-everyone
www.breastcancer.org