Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more
Ac8f3626c99bc69909a2237bd8b3ab35d9fc5596 d896664d536b9d6e1218390f9a062f537e492033 673644a6ce47f2528969bee0bb5c5f0829ced733 uploads 2funprocessed 2f1608552278414 qmq1khto1is 20bea17083455871f09c3b6e15e59c7f 2fgdwlhjhw small
Feature

Yoga and Swimming: A Perfect Partnership

By Jack Hudson , 20 January, 2021

Yoga and swimming are a perfect natural fit. Learn more about the mutual benefits of mixing these two favourite SwimTrekker activities.


In this blog, we’re going to take a quick look at those little details that make swimming and yoga a perfect match. And we'll start with our favourite - the fact they both go perfectly with time outdoors. A natural environment unlocks the potential of exactly what these activities should be do for your mind and body. The outdoors ease you into a mindful willingness to open yourself up to your surroundings.

yogaswim 1

When you're locked into either swimming or yoga your mind relaxes and surface thoughts start to scatter. You're left with simple rhythms and the repeated extension and relaxation of muscles, loosening your body and helping to relieve physical tension. In both yoga and swimming you learn to be more aware of your prana (which is the force of life within each breath you take). You also engage in pratyahara exercises, which incorporate a withdrawal of the senses and a deflection of exterior distractions, leading to deeper concentration.

'Surface thoughts start to scatter. You're left with simple rhythms and the repeated extension and relaxation of skeletal muscles, loosening your body and helping to relieve physical tension...'

We could go on, so let's get into it and list a few of those mutual benefits on offer:


yogaswim 2

Swimming and Yoga: Mutual Physical and Mental Benefits

  • Muscle toning, improvement of flexibility and muscular strength
  • Increased ability to effectively use oxygen
  • Increased lung capacity
  • Improves circulation : helps to lower blood sugar and pressure
  • Alleviates physical strains and stress: headaches, interrupted sleeping, low focus levels
  • Boost the immune system

yogaswim 3

Swimming: Additional Physical and Mental Benefits

  • Improves the libido
  • Lessens stress and anxiety and improves creative faculties
  • Great prescribed exercise for back pain and prenatal health
  • Increased cardiovascular health and endurance
  • Helps to regulate levels of cholesterol
  • Helps to reduce insomnia

There is evidence that swimming has a stronger effect on breathing capacity, improving the elasticity of your lungs. The activity focuses more on your thoracic and abdominal muscles and also helps to improve posture. In swimming, you spend most of your time horizontal, as opposed to the more common vertical ambulation of other sports. What this does is it centralises your training on a group of muscles and tendons known as the erector spinae. Focused exercise on these particular muscles leads in turn to better lung capacity.


yogaswim 4

Yoga: Additional Physical and Mental Benefits

  • Increases bodily awareness, focus and provides mental clarity
  • Improves stamina and balance
  • Improves posture and activates spinal discs
  • Drains lymph nodes to benefit lymphatic system

Both activities can be used to work almost every muscle in your body - they're relatively low impact on joints and also burn a good amount of calories. What's more, they serve up a stress-reducing burst of endorphins, helping to combat stress hormones.

If you're looking to explore the mutual benefits of these two pursuits further, why not check out our new yoga and swimming holidays coming up in 2021?

lake district

New! YogaSwim Lake District
Description Return to nature with freshwater swims in iconic lakes and yoga to clear the mind and free the senses
Package Package includes a fully guided yoga and swimming holiday in the Lake District (including safety escort on all swims), yoga mat for the duration of the trip, experienced instruction from our yoga teachers, two nights' accommodation at Glenthorne Guest House and all breakfasts, lunches and one dinner

brighton

New! YogaSwim Brighton
Description Head down to world-famous Brighton Beach for coastal swims, relaxing yoga and bohemian vibes
Package Package includes a fully guided yoga and swimming in Brighton (including safety escort on all swims), experienced yoga instruction, yoga mat for the duration of the trip, technique advice with video playback, two nights' accommodation, two breakfasts, and lunch on day 2

bali

New! YogaSwim Bali
Description Enter a lost paradise and discover the mutual benefits of yoga and swimming
Package Package includes a fully guided yoga and swimming in Bali (including safety escort on all swims), experienced yoga instruction, yoga mat for the duration of the trip, technique advice with video playback, four nights' accommodation, four breakfasts, lunch on days 2, 3 and 4

If you're looking to tread familiar ground, we also have our incredible original YogaSwim trips to Crete and Lithuania!

crete

YogaSwim Crete
Description Take part in an adventurous swim yoga retreat exploring exquisite coastlines on the idyllic Greek island of Crete
Package Package includes a fully guided yoga and swimming holiday in Crete (including safety escort on all swims), an experienced yoga instructor, yoga mat for the duration of the trip, technique advice with video playback, 6 nights accommodation, all breakfasts and lunch on Day 5

lithuania

YogaSwim Lithuania
Description Join an adventurous yoga swimming escape in Lithuania with the perfect combination of 'iyengar' yoga practice and freshwater swimming
Package Package includes a fully guided yoga and swimming holiday in Lithuania (including safety escort on all swims) , experienced Iyengar yoga teacher, yoga mat for the duration of the trip, technique advice, 4 nights accommodation, all breakfasts, all lunches and all dinners

Our fresh selection of yoga and swimming holidays are specially laid out to expand and combine your interests in yoga and swimming outdoors.

RELATED POSTS

Best Swim Travel Shows and Films to Watch

With many of us now spending more time indoors and pining after our open water swims, one of the next best things to do is to watch others doing it. There are some great swim inspired films and TV shows to get stuck into, and to help inspire your next swims when you can enjoy the water once more....

Please sign in to comment.

No Comments Yet