Read & write

So you want to start a new fitness regime to lose a few kilos, to feel good about yourself or to keep your body healthy?  Great!  Exercise plays a major role not just in our physical health, but in our emotional and mental well-being too.  

The problem, you may say though, is which fitness regime to follow?  There's running, power walking, going to the gym, yoga, and numerous fitness classes too - how do you choose which will work best for you? 

All fitness regimes have pros and cons, and by all means try out a few to see how your body responds.  But before you rush to join the gym, buy running shoes or check out the latest fitness classes, take a moment to learn why swimming may answer all of your fitness dreams!



A Sport That Is Easy On Your Body

Running, walking and other such like sports can be great for some people, but for others can result in pain to ankles, knees or hips.  Of course you can learn how to protect your body when engaging in such sports, but wouldn't it be great to participate in a sport that has the lowest impact on your body's joints?  

Swimming not only gives you a whole-body workout, but when immersed to the neck your body will bear only 10% of it's weight.  Ideal, not only for those with physical limitations, weight limitations or arthritis suffers, but for all who want to protect their body whilst staying fit.


A Sport That Is Great For Your Fitness Levels

When you swim your body uses all your major muscle groups, legs, hips, arms, shoulders, back, abdomen - everything is getting a good workout.  Interestingly swimming is also a great sport for building strength in your body due to water giving twelve times the resistance that air gives.


Great, you may be thinking, swimming sure does sound like the sport for me, but how do I get started?  

Really it all depends what level you are at.  If you're experience of swimming goes as far as a few swim classes when you were at school, or a paddle around the kid's pool on holiday, then you may want to





consider a swimming class.  Don't be put off by joining a class with others, you will likely find that most of them are in the same situation as you and the company and encouragement can be worthwhile.

If you know how to swim but simply haven't been in the pool for a while then set yourself a swim time each week and make sure you stick to it!  Start with setting a small goal, even if it's only one length, then increase your goal each time.  It's up to you how many times you can schedule a swim into your weekly plan, but if it allows for two or three time per week you will quickly find yourself swimming for longer and further.


So are you going to give swimming a go?  If you do, you may well find yourself swimming to a slimmer, healthier and fitter you!