If you’ve ever wondered how the act of swimming affects your heart compared to land-based activities, a recent study may be of interest to you. Published in Frontiers in Physiology last November, a study conducted by researchers at the University of Guelph in Canada and other institutions took a look at the structure and function of elite swimmers’ and runners’ hearts.

Swimming is unique in the fact that our bodies are immersed in water, are in a prone position and both upper and lower limbs are involved. Add in the fact that breath holding is a big component of the activity and swimming is truly a different animal than, say, running or rowing.