Water's buoyancy makes it the ideal environment for injury-free exercise, while providing resistance to build and tone muscles, especially those of the upper body. It's especially beneficial for overweight, pregnant or disabled individuals for whom weight-bearing exercise is difficult. Because water places less stress on the joints and ligaments, hydrotherapy or rehabilitation in water has proven to be an effective form of physical therapy. Furthermore, swimming offers a variety of workouts, thus reducing boredom and encouraging continued participation. Disadvantages Convenient access to a pool or other water is necessary for swimming.
Adverse weather requires an indoor pool, which can be expensive or difficult to find.
Unless it's done as part of a group activity, swimming can be solitary, especially if you are doing laps. The potential for eye and ear ailments exists when swimming. Some people may be self-conscious wearing a bathing suit in public. The chemicals in pools can be harsh and irritate dry skin and hair. Open water, such as lakes and oceans, expose swimmers to the damaging rays of the sun, water debris, infections and stings from various organisms.