Is it OK to swim after my mastectomy?
The answer is a resounding ‘Yes’. Because swimming is so gentle, it is a very suitable form of exercise that trains all the major muscle groups – and a good way to prevent muscle mass from disappearing – as is often seen in patients if they are physically inactive for a long time after a surgical procedure with lifeguard certification near me.
As soon as the doctor says it’s ok to start moderate exercise, swimming is one of the best first things to get started on. Many doctors and swimming experts recommend it as one of the safest and most comfortable ways to get in shape again.
Swimming strengthens muscles and burns calories
After breast surgery, your center of gravity may have changed and you need to figure out how to compensate for it. Swimming especially strengthens the abdominal, back and shoulder muscles, muscle groups that help you maintain a good posture and prevent back problems. Stronger and more toned muscles here will also make it easier to recover after breast surgery. The circulatory benefits are and also great. Once you have achieved a good and steady speed, you will also train your heart – the most important muscle in your body – every time you swim.
It is good for the weight (which may have increased due to chemotherapy) to get some calories burned off. But for many women, high-impact sports like running are uncomfortable – and maybe even risky if you fall.
Swimming and exercising in water can help you get used to some extra calories, quite harmless. Another advantage is that you can swim alone, at the speed you like and stop whenever you want. In tennis and many other competitive forms of exercise, you are dependent on an opponent who may cause you to overdo the training.
Here are 5 great tips for swimming training after breast surgery
- Do not swim more than 20 minutes of the same type of swim. ‘dog swimming’ is actually good for the upper body, breaststroke is a good alternative, both as training and as relaxation. In addition, it is good for both toning and stretching of the legs. Back swimming strengthens the back muscles. Also try watching ‘sidestroke’ on YouTube, here you swim on the page and can choose which arm you want to load (most). Butterfly is not immediately recommended as it is quite hard and requires a fairly curved back.
- Always make quiet heating and cooling roofs – five minutes each. It can be done both inside and outside the pool. For example, you can sit on the edge of the pool and kick in the water, or stretch leg muscles. In the pool, for example, you can walk or jog to get your body used to the water. Be careful not to overstretch the operated side.
- Be careful not to get too hot – Changes in the body can make it less adaptable to heat, so be a little careful. If you live in a hot area and swim outdoors, swim early in the morning or late in the day. Always make sure you drink plenty of water before and after you swim.
- Do not overdo it. If you feel tired, stop. You need to feel relaxed not run out. It is not right now that you need to train for maximum heart rate.
- Before you start exercising, you should check with your doctor. If you are not used to swimming, do not start swimming 50 lanes breaststroke now. Instead, try light water exercises, such as arm circles, or arm bends on the pool wall – it will give you many of the same results.
