Swim for health

On June 20, step into the water and feel everything slow down for a moment. As da Vinci once said, “Water is the driving force of all nature” (da Vinci). The Stronger With Every Stroke Swim Challenge celebrates how water can help us feel healthier, calmer, and more grounded. Swimming isn’t just another workout—it takes pressure off your joints, helps you move more freely, and creates a steady rhythm that can almost feel relaxing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that swimming improves heart health, lowers the risk of long-term illness, and supports healthy weight management (CDC). The Mayo Clinic also says that swimming works nearly every major muscle group and builds endurance over time (Mayo Clinic Staff). Different cultures value water for its ability to cleanse, restore, and bring people together. Examples include Shinto purification rituals in Japan, bathing traditions along the Ganges River in India, Indigenous water ceremonies across the Americas, and even the ancient baths in Greece meant to support both physical and mental wellness. Water has always represented renewal, and swimming today continues that idea in a personal way. Whether you choose 200 yards or challenge yourself with 800, each lap is a meaningful step toward better health. You can swim anywhere, at your own pace, and still gain the benefits. It’s just you, the water, and the chance to get stronger with every stroke. Let the water carry you forward.