Snorkeling is a fun way to see the underwater beauty of nature. It allows a person to see the beauty of Mother Nature without having to dive deep into the water. But snorkeling is more than just a fun activity. There are several health benefits of snorkeling that you might not know about. From improving cardiovascular health to strengthening muscles, here are some of the top health benefits that you can achieve by snorkeling.
1. Strengthened Muscles
Snorkeling is an activity that involves almost all the muscles of your body. In short, it is a full-body workout. The muscles of the legs and arms work to push the body against the direction of water flow. Whether you are snorkeling with or without fins, it’s equally beneficial for strengthening muscles. If you use fins while snorkeling, they will help provide a better leg workout by increasing the resistance.
To overcome the natural buoyancy, one needs to paddle faster and kick harder to go deeper in water. While snorkeling, you are not just having fun but also strengthening the muscles of your body.
2. Improved Joint Mobility
People who suffer from joint pain, obesity, or joint stiffness can achieve major health benefits from snorkeling. If you are suffering from any of these issues, it is recommended to try snorkeling. Water exercises are the best option for people with limited mobility.
The natural buoyancy of a submerged body helps in preventing the bodyweight pressure from affecting the joints. Due to the reduced pressure, joint pain and stiffness are relieved.
3. Better Mood and Mental Health
Every exercise, including snorkeling, helps in increasing self-esteem and relieve from stress and anxiety. Moreover, water exercises trigger the release of endorphins – the chemical responsible for a better mood and happiness.
While snorkeling, you need to hold your breath. This holding of the breath while being in the water is a meditative process. When you do this, it helps relax your mind and body – just the way it happens in meditation.
The natural flow of water calms the body and makes you feel more relaxed and at ease. Some divers even say that snorkeling is like flying; the only difference is that it’s done underwater.
4. Good for Cardiovascular Health
Snorkeling can be an excellent exercise for improving cardiovascular health—paddling during snorkeling results in increased heart rate that further helps it become stronger.
A strong heart is less likely to suffer from various heart diseases, such as heart failure and coronary heart diseases. Moreover, it reduces the chances of high blood pressure and cholesterol levels in your body. Snorkeling gets your whole body to work, including the heart.
5. Greater Lung Capacity
Snorkeling is an excellent indicator of aerobic fitness. It helps in increasing lung capacity and function, along with improved breathing. Breathing through the mouth during snorkeling takes more effort than the normal breathing process.
The increased effort results in increased exertion. The controlled breathing during snorkeling is more in resemblance with meditation and yoga methods. We can also say that it is a type of breathing exercise that improves the health of our lungs. As a result, of all these benefits, a person can enjoy a calm body, even relaxed breathing patterns, and better lung capacity.
6. Overcoming Phobia
Snorkeling is a great and risk-free way of overcoming phobias related to water, swimming, or diving. Overcoming a phobia is also considered a health benefit, as it is directly related to a person’s mental health. If you are a beginner, you can try snorkeling in shallow water or at a nearby beach. If you feel afraid or claustrophobic, you can easily rise above the water surface.
As there is not much of a risk in snorkeling, you do not need to worry at all. It is recommended to snorkel along with a partner in case any incident happens. Stay relaxed and enjoy the beauty of nature. You will overcome the phobia and will feel safe and confident progressively.
7. Fitness
Swimming and snorkeling are almost similar activities as both of them require the movement of the whole body. Snorkeling requires a major portion of energy and strength, which is why most beginners get exhausted while doing this for the first time.
Snorkeling is considered equally beneficial for burning calories as swimming. You can improve your body’s overall flexibility and strength, along with burning about 250 – 300 calories per hour.
8. Easy on the Body
Snorkeling is not tough on your body; there are no strict requirements of age, skills, or physical stamina to snorkel. Children over the age of ten can start snorkeling under supervision.
Not just swimmers but also non-swimmers can snorkel after a little practice. If you want to start snorkeling, do not worry about it being hard because you can easily do it under your coach’s guidance.
Note: Consider taking a rest every 30-minutes of snorkeling. Drink water and do not push your body beyond its limits.
9. Connection with Nature
Snorkeling allows you to create a connection with nature as you get to see and encounter several different marine animals. You can experience a whole new kind of life underwater, observing the coral reefs, turtles, and fishes.
However, make sure to always remember the underwater etiquettes while snorkeling. Respect the marine animals and not try to go near them; enjoy the beauty while keeping a safe distance. This way, you can enjoy the underwater experience without hurting yourself and the marine animals.
10. A Way of Socializing
It is a great way of socializing, because of several reasons. You can spend quality time with your friends or family. There are no major health risks related to snorkeling, but it is recommended to snorkel with a partner or small groups.
If you don’t have anyone to go with you, you can easily find other snorkelers in travel groups on Facebook or other social media platforms.
Required Snorkeling Equipment
Snorkel Mask
A snorkel mask is the most important thing that you will need while doing snorkeling. It helps you see the underwater world. You will not be able to see anything with naked eyes underwater without getting water into your eyes. You can buy or rent a snorkel mask. Moreover, full-face snorkel masks are also available on the market, allowing you to see and breathe naturally underwater.
Dry Snorkel Set
If you are not planning to die underwater because of not breathing, you absolutely need a dry snorkel set.
The earlier snorkels were made rigid and caused jaw fatigue. However, the snorkels made today are comfortable and have a dry top to stop the water from entering.
Snorkeling Fins
If you want to do snorkeling in open water, then fins are a must-have as they can help make snorkeling more efficient and easier.
High-quality snorkeling fins are powerful but lightweight, and they allow you to move faster, especially if there is any kind of potential danger.
UV Protection Clothing
Protection from UV rays is as important as protection from dangerous animals. Such clothing will not only protect you from sun rays but also the stings of jellyfish. The best thing you can do to protect yourself is wearing a rash guard with full sleeves, sun protection pants, and a sun protection cap.
Conclusion
Snorkeling is full of enjoyment and health benefits. Do not miss out on something so fun just because you don’t know how to do snorkeling. You can learn new things whenever you want to, so try it out and enjoy the beautiful marine life.