Swimming for Healthier Veins

Swimming for healthier veins is Part 3 of our series, Exercises for Vein Health. To check out more ways to keep your veins healthy, see Exercises for Vein Health Part 1 and Exercises for Vein Health Part 2.

Reasons Swimming is So Good for Your Veins

Swimming is quite possibly the best exercise for your veins for a number of reasons. First of all, the weightlessness you feel in the water means less pressure on your veins. With less pressure, your muscles can move more freely and your blood can move more efficiently. This is especially beneficial if you are overweight, but applies to everyone.

Another reason that swimming is so healthy for your veins is that it is a low-impact aerobic exercise that works every part of your body. That means that you will feel less tired and be able to do more repetitions. This builds strength and stamina in your major muscle groups. Add to that the breathing that you do will help increase lung capacity and increase oxygen in your blood. All of this is great for your vascular system, your heart, and your lungs.

How Swimming Reduces Symptoms of Varicose Veins

If you already have varicose veins, the cool water can help reduce swelling and discomfort. It will also reduce the appearance of weaker veins that have not yet reached the surface of your skin. The added exercise can help your legs feel less achy and tired as they become more toned.

Preventing Varicose Veins

Swimming can even prevent varicose veins from happening. Just 30 minutes in the water per day is all it takes for some people to ward off vein problems. That is, of course, if there are not already underlying issues.

Best Exercises for Veins

Rest assured that you do not have to be an Olympic swimmer to get the benefits of swimming for your veins. Even if you are new to the sport or don’t know how to swim at all, there are easy activities you can do in the water.

For instance, you may use a kickboard to give your upper body a rest while you exercise your legs by propelling yourself across the pool. You can also hold on to the side of the pool and kick, achieving much of the same benefits. Or try leg lifts and arm lifts under the water. Treading water (or just making the same circular movements under the water as if you were) is another great exercise to try.

Swimming Year-Round for Vein Health

Don’t let the cold weather stop you from benefitting from swimming. If you don’t have access to a heated pool in your neighborhood (or if you are even luckier–in your backyard), there are usually several indoor options in your community. If you are in Grand Junction, try the Orchard Messa Community Pool, the Maverick Center Pool, or the Fruita Community Center Pool.

Stay safe and have fun!