KEEP MOVING ~ Swimming offers injury-free approach to physical fitness for seniors | Health And Wellness

Rose Mayfield, 70, of Indian Harbour Beach swims with the Space Coast Masters Swim Team not only for the physical benefits, but also “because it’s relaxing and meditative. That’s why I lost count of the number of laps,” she said, and chuckled.

Justin McVicker, the swim team president and coach, said swimming regularly offers a multitude of benefits. He is an ocean rescue lifeguard for the City of Cape Canaveral.

“I get a euphoric, pleasant and satisfied feeling that lasts all day, improved lung capacity and my weight is stable,” he said. Plus, he said, the swim team is his second family, who enjoy other activities together.

The U.S. Masters Swimming is a nonprofit organization offering benefits to 60,000 swimmers in local clubs with training, coaching, sanctioned events and other activities. In Brevard, other clubs include Swim Melbourne Masters based at Sherwood Park Pool in Melbourne and the Space Coast Aquanauts, who swim at the North County Aquatic Center.

Kristin Cusimano, the recreation director at the Gleason Park Pool where the Space Coast Masters Swim Team meets each Saturday morning, said swimming is “great exercise for anyone six months old to end of life that’s non-weight bearing to get cardio exercise. It keeps the heart healthy and is a sport with unlimited benefits.”

Carla Gregg of Indian Harbour Beach joined the team four years ago.

“I heard about it on Google and you can swim forever and not feel like you’ve beat up your joints,” she said.

Pete Turner of Palm Bay has been on the team nearly 30 years. “I don’t like running, weight lifting or sweating while I exercise,” he said. He swam in high school and college and then, “took 18 years off.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, swimming is the fourth most popular form of exercise for seniors, after walking, running and cycling. Swimming for 30 minutes can burn about 225 calories. For maximum benefits, the CDC recommends two to three swims weekly. Since 1896, freestyle and breaststroke competitions have been a part of the Olympics.

Tips for senior swimmers include warming up with gentle stretches to prepare muscles and joints, starting slowly and gradually increasing intensity, drinking sips of water between laps, using pool rails and ladders to prevent falls, wearing sunscreen, a swim cap and goggles, always swimming with a buddy, and using proper technique to prevent strain or injuries.

Other public pools where seniors can swim include Fee Avenue, Eddie Lee Taylor Sr. and Lipscomb Pools, operated by the City of Melbourne; McLarty Park in Rockledge, operated by the county; Merritt Island High School Aquatic Center; Cocoa Beach Aquatic Center and the Palm Bay Aquatic Center.