Swimming
This is a relaxing, enjoyable way of getting fit
Written by SpunOut | View this authors Twitter page and posted in health
What is it?
Swimming is something many of us learned how to do as a child, but don’t keep up any more in adulthood. But it has some amazing health benefits, so is worth getting back into. And if you never learned as a child, don’t worry - it’s never too late!
How do you do it?
If you know how to swim, just find your local pool and go for it! Swim for 30 minutes, and try a combination of different strokes during that time. If you want to, you could join a swim club and try competitive swimming too.
If you don’t know how to swim, it’s never too late too learn. Many swimming pools offer swimming lessons for beginners of all ages - check with your local swimming pool to see what your options are.
Where can you do it?
There are swimming pools all over the country - just use Google to find the one nearest to you. If you chose to swim in the sea or a lake, make sure you stay safe - check out this article on safer open water swimming.
What do you need to swim?
- Swimwear
- Swimming hat (in most pools)
- Goggles, if you want
Who would it suit?
You can swim in either a team or as an individual, so it can be a good way to meet people if you want. Many people find swimming quite relaxing, so is good for those who don’t want too hectic a sport.
Swimming is easy on your joints, so is a perfect way to get some exercise if you have an injury or mobility issues.
What are the benefits?
- Less stress on you body than other exercises
- Improves endurance, muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness
- Helps maintain a healthy weight
- Helps maintain healthy heart and lungs
- Tones muscles and builds strength
- It is a relaxing activity and can help reduce stress
- Improves flexibility
