The health benefits of water are far greater than just hydration By Jillian Chandler
Water. It makes up between 50 and 70 percent of our body, and covers 71 percent of the earth’s surface. Water is essential to life—in more than one aspect. Making sure our bodies stay hydrated, humans should consume an average of half their body weight in ounces of water each day. (Ex. A 120-pound woman should consume an average of 60 ounces of water a day, minimum. The more caffeine, alcoholic beverages, etc. you consume, the more water you should drink.)
Now, have you thought about the effects of getting out on the water and its positive benefits to your health and lifestyle?
As you enjoy these warmer months here in the Inland Northwest, don’t miss out on the opportunities to not just get outdoors but out on or in the water. With lakes, like Lake Coeur d’Alene and Pend Oreille, and rivers like the Spokane, Coeur d’Alene and Kootenai, among other small lakes, rivers and streams, there is no shortage of places the entire family can enjoy on any given day.
Beach days are a wonderful way to spend a day relaxing and unwinding from the busyness of everyday life, but there’s so much more that time spent on the water does for your health.
Those raising families in the area tend to make learning to swim a top priority, so that their kids grow up being confident swimmers and aware of safe water practices. Swimming requires the body to focus on many different muscles at the same time, which is not only a perk for your physical health but also your mental wellness. It has also been shown that water sports like swimming can promote the growth of new brain cells, helping to keep your mind young and active. The best part is that swimming is a sport that you can continue well into old age.
On any given spring, summer or fall day, weather permitting, you will see kayakers out on the water. Kayaking is a great option for those wanting to stay fit or get fit, as you can burn more than 500 calories per hour (at 5 miles per hour). It improves your heart health, as it is a cardiac exercise; helps to not only work your shoulders, back and upper body but your legs as well, as they're busy working hard to help keep your kayak balanced.
Paddleboarding has grown in popularity over the years, with yogis even offering yoga on paddleboards! Paddleboarding works nearly every part of your body: legs, abdomen, shoulders, arms. This watersport helps build up strength and stamina, and can be done at any level. Add in the bonus of being out on the water, it's a sure way to detach and let your worries be driven away each time your paddle pushes through the water.
These are just a handful of the ways to exercise your way through the water, though there are many more great watersports to enjoy, such as snorkeling, canoeing, rowing, wakeboarding and waterskiing. And of course, those who live near or make a trip to the ocean can’t pass up a day of surfing those waves.
Of course, be sure to drink plenty of water while out in the sun and on the water. Cheers to your health and the many benefits of H2O.
The Effects of Water on your Physical and Mental Health
• Boosts your Mood • Releases Stress • Improves Overall Health • Helps Manage your Weight • Beneficial for your Joints • Decreases the Chance of Chronic Diseases • Improves Physical Strength • Increases Endurance
