Swimming is a great form of all-round exercise. It's ideal if you want to be more active and stay healthy, whatever your age or ability.
Is it for me?
Swimming is a great way to get active without putting stress on your joints. The way that the water supports your body combined with how swimming works almost every muscle in your body makes it ideal for people of all ages and abilities.
Swimming is what's known as a 'low-impact exercise', which means it places less stress on your body in comparison to many other exercises. This is ideal for pregnant women, older people, people recovering from injury or anyone with joint trouble. If you have trouble running for example, swimming could be a much better fit for you.
It's perfect for beginners because it allows you to start being active without putting your joints under additional pressure. This can help you build your muscles and get your fitness level up before you try something like jogging or fitness classes
Find out more
- Swimming for fitness - NHS website