Snorkeling is a unique form of cardiovascular and muscle strengthening exercise. It requires minimal equipment --- a mask, snorkel and sometimes fins --- and is especially beneficial for those suffering from joint pain or limited mobility. Snorkeling regularly may also help improve your mental and emotional health.
Muscle Strengthening
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.
Cardiovascular
Snorkeling also improves your cardiovascular fitness. Cardiovascular fitness refers to your heart's ability to supply your muscles with adequate oxygen-enriched blood. As you snorkel and your heart rate increases, you heart works harder and grows stronger. Improved cardiovascular fitness helps decrease the risk of health problems, including 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.
Mental Health
Exercise, including snorkeling, can help relieve stress and anxiety, according to the MayoClinic.com. Exercise 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 indicative of many meditative breathing techniques that seek to relax and calm the body. Snorkeling regularly may help you feel more calm and at ease through simple relaxation.
Joint Mobility
Like any aquatic exercise, snorkeling has the added benefit of providing healthy exercise to those with chronic joint pain, stiffness or obesity problems. Exercising in the water reduces the impact force normally associated with similar cardiovascular exercises like walking and jogging. If you have trouble exercising because of movement restrictions, consider snorkeling as a means to start your exercise program. Once you regain some mobility, you can move on to other exercises or increase the frequency and intensity of your snorkeling workout.
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