OK, I admit it-with such a famous name, I am partial to swimming as a most beneficial activity. For over 35 years now, I am asked on a daily basis, “are you the Olympic swimmer—or “can I see your gold medals?” Overall it has been fun, and I might add has worked to my advantage on occasion. I have gotten front seats in the theater and have been able to get a reservation in restaurants that have been booked for weeks. When they ask me if I am the “real” Mark Spitz, I am being truthful (maybe stretching it a bit), when I answer, yes. After all I am “real”-just ask my patients as I have been a practicing podiatrist in Orange County California for the past 35 years.
Let me get serious for the moment and discuss the subject at hand, swimming. From a sports medicine viewpoint, swimming and other water activities can greatly enhance cardiovascular and muscle function. Due to the consistency of water, it is a “great equalizer”. This means that a 35 year-old, 250 pound football player has no real advantage over an 80 year-old, 100 pound female. This is true because of the resistance created in a water environment, as well of the minimal effects of gravity while in the water. Add to the equation that swimming and other water activities are the ultimate low impact workout-which creates only minimal stress on the bones and joints of the foot and leg.
Swimming itself will benefit the cardiovascular system, can help reduce cholesterol levels and lower high blood pressure. When swimming you are utilizing and enhancing muscles of both the upper and lower body. Water aerobics have also become more popular and are offered by many public and private facilities. Water aerobics consists of fun and beneficial activities such as “jumping-jacks”, unique stretching exercises, and in water race competitions.
Swimming and water aerobics are especially beneficial for people who have peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy often affects one’s balance- making exercise a challenge. In the water, a person can undergo a rigorous work-out without the fear of falling. Additionally the Mayo Clinic recommends regular exercise programs for people with diabetes along with proper diet and nutrition-and swimming is a perfect fit! While on the subject of fee-swimming and pool activities are very beneficial in the treatment of other foot ailments such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, sprains, strains and other foot and leg injuries. Professional trainers often recommend water activities in the rehabilitation process for a variety of injuries.
As with any new endeavor check with your physician first. If you get the OK, head to the nearest pool-and tell them Marc Spitz sent you!