Swimming Helps Reduce Stress Says Speedo Survey

LONDON, July 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

New international research commissioned by the world's leading swimwear brand, Speedo, has revealed that swimmers agree that swimming helps to release stress and tension, makes them more confident about the way they look and leaves them feeling mentally refreshed.

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The fieldwork conducted by leading research specialists Ipsos MORI examined the psychological benefits of regular swimming. The results revealed that:

• Getting in the pool is the perfect way to unwind after a busy day, with 74% of those surveyed agreeing that swimming helps release stress and tension
• Swimming is the ideal 'feel good' exercise, with 68% saying that being in the water helps them to feel good about themselves
• Over two thirds of those surveyed feel that swimming can have a positive mental impact, with 70% agreeing that it helps them to feel mentally refreshed

The international study took in the views a global panel of swimmers aged between 16-45* across key markets and including a wide cross section of swimmers from those who swim only occasionally to those who swim regularly as part of a vigorous exercise regime.

With swimming already regarded as a highly effective way to remain fit and healthy thanks to its low impact and high cardiovascular benefits, the new insight into the psychological impact of swimming further enhances its reputation as one of the best forms of exercise possible.

Sports psychologist Julie Johnston said, "The feeling of 'freedom' whilst in the water has long been one of the key appeals behind all forms of swimming, and the results of this survey offer a clear indication that swimming not only provides an effective physical workout, but can also actively improve mentality and self-perception, making it the ideal exercise for both body and mind."

Sean Hastings, Vice President of Product and Marketing at Speedo International, said, "Speedo is passionate about inspiring people to swim, and we hope that these findings, together with the undoubted physical benefits of swimming, will encourage others to get in the water for a mental as well as physical work out."

Notes to the editor: About the survey

The results comprise aggregated scores from 4 separate surveys across US, GB, France and China, taking in a total of 3,979 respondants. The size of each country's population was not taken into account when aggregating scores across the four markets.  In the US 1,192 respondents aged 18-45 were screened to obtain a sample of 1,023 swimmers. In GB 1,270 respondents aged 16-45 were screened to obtain a sample of 941 swimmers.  In France 1,220 respondents aged 16-45 were screened to obtain a sample of 1,015 swimmers. In China 1,000 swimmers aged 16-45 were interviewed.  All surveys were conducted using, i:omnibus, Ipsos MORI's omnibus and ad hoc online services, between 29th June & 3rd July 2012.

Respondents were drawn from Ipsos MORI online access Panels and approved panel suppliers. The survey data were weighted by age, gender, region and social grade to be nationally representative of adults of the surveyed age range in that country.

About Speedo®

The world's leading swimwear brand, Speedo® is passionate about life in and around the water, creating revolutionary new technologies, designs and innovations and supporting swimming from grass-roots through to elite level, including the phenomenal Michael Phelps. In the 1920s Speedo® made history with the Racerback: the world's first non-wool suit. In 2008 Speedo® redefined swimwear again with Fastskin® LZR RACER® - the fastest and most technologically advanced swimsuit ever created. 2011 saw Speedo® unveil another world first with the Fastskin^® Racing System - a cap, goggle and suit designed to work together as one.  Speedo® is owned by Speedo Holdings B.V and distributed in over 170 countries around the world; to find out more visit: http://www.speedo.com. SPEEDO, the ARROW device, FASTSKIN, AQUALAB and LZR RACER are registered trademarks of Speedo Holdings B.V. Racing System is a trademark of Speedo Holdings B.V.  The LZR RACER suit has worldwide design rights and patents. The Fastskin³ cap, goggle and suit has worldwide design rights and patents pending.

SOURCE Speedo