Snorkeling is a fun and unique form of cardiovascular exercise and muscle strengthening. It requires minimal equipment – a mask, snorkel and sometimes fins (or flippers).
It’s especially beneficial for those suffering from joint pain or limited mobility and who struggle to take other forms of exercise. But, even if you don’t suffer from joint pain or limited mobility, snorkeling is great exercise! Why? Read on…
Snorkeling, with or without fins, is a whole body workout. Every movement you make, whether with your arms, legs or back, forces your muscles to push against the natural resistance of the water. If you snorkel with fins, it provides an excellent leg workout because of the increased resistance of the fins against your legs. When diving down to investigate things below the surface, you push your muscles even harder to provide the fast kicking needed to overcome your natural buoyancy.
Of course, snorkeling will also burn up calories and help keep you in shape. Most people burn between 250 and 300 calories per hour.
Snorkeling is also good for your heart (cardiovascular fitness). As you snorkel and your heart rate increases, your heart pumps harder and grows stronger. Improved cardiovascular fitness is thoroughly worthwhile as it helps decrease the risk of certain health problems, such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Snorkeling also helps you build greater lung capacity when you are forced to hold your breath underwater for sustained periods of time.
Like any water-based exercise, snorkeling has the added benefit of providing healthy exercise to those with joint pain, stiffness or obesity problems. Exercising in the water reduces the impact forces generally associated with other cardiovascular exercises like walking and jogging. If you have trouble exercising because of movement restrictions, consider snorkeling as a means of kick-starting your exercise programme. Once you regain some mobility, you can move on to other exercises or increase the frequency and intensity of your snorkeling workout.
Exercise, including snorkeling, can help relieve stress and anxiety, according to the Mayo Clinic. Exercise (of all types) releases endorphins that make you feel better as well as increases self-confidence. But, snorkeling takes mental health benefits even farther. The controlled mouth breathing required of snorkelers is similar to many of the meditative breathing techniques that seek to relax and calm the body (such as yoga. See health benefits of yoga). Snorkeling regularly may help you feel more calm and at ease through simple relaxation.
If you would like to go on a holiday that includes the opportunity for some fantastic snorkeling adventures (for both adults and / or children) we would be happy to advise you on the numerous destinations available. See all snorkeling destinations
Most people try their hand at snorkeling before embarking on a SCUBA diving course. However, many of our featured resorts provide the opportunity of both! See all scuba diving destinations
Alternatively, please just call us on 0845 458 0723 and we will gladly chat through ideas and options with you. If you prefer, email us instead.
If you would like to go on a holiday that offers fantastic snorkeling adventures (for both adults and / or children) we would be happy to advise you on the numerous destinations available. See all snorkeling destinations
Most people try their hand at snorkeling before embarking on a SCUBA diving course. However, many of our featured resorts provide the opportunity of both! See all scuba diving destinations
Alternatively, please just call us on 0208 968 0501 and we will gladly chat through ideas and options with you. If you prefer, email us instead.
Please provide us with some basic contact details and your message. We will be glad to help. If you would prefer to call us, we’re on 020 8968 0501 or, for international callers: 00 44 20 8968 0501
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