[wayeq]

The cyclic breathing required by swimming has a large overlap with the breathing techniques described in this study, and I suspect it has a lot to do with how much of a mental health improvement it is for me.

Coupled with the full body muscle engagement and cardiovascular training that comes along with it, it seems like the perfect exercise for those that have access to a pool.

[bsmitty5000]

I just started swimming with a local Masters group a few months ago and can definitely notice a difference in my mood if I miss a couple practices. I thought it was just my imagination but didn’t even think about the breath aspect of it.