Swim Your Way To Fitness

What’s stopping you getting into the pool? There are lots of fun, easy options…

- Wendy Glass

Swimming is one of the best forms of all-round exercise there is – so dig out that swimsuit and take the plunge!

“There’s a wide range of health and fitness benefits associated with swimming,” says Elaine McNish of Swim England, previously the Amateur Swimming Association. “Swimming increases stamina, boosts fitness levels, increases lung capacity, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, gives the heart a decent workout and burns up to 350 calories in 30 minutes.

“In addition, the support provided by the water helps relieve painful joints and sore backs, while also helping to prevent osteoporosis and high cholesterol.”

With such fabulous health and fitness benefits, it’s no wonder seven million women in the UK go swimming at least once a month. However that still leaves a large number of us sitting at home, thinking about going for a swim but never quite getting there!

“I hear all sorts of excuses,” reveals Sam Page, swimming co-ordinator at David Lloyd Clubs www.davidlloyd.co.uk. “However, once in the pool, most women remember how much they love swimming. Even the hassle of drying your hair and putting your make-up back on becomes a minor inconvenience once you’ve established a routine and made it fun!