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Six Reasons Why Swimming is Great Exercise at Any Age

Whether you’re aged eight or 80, swimming is fantastic for people of all ages and abilities. But why is it so good? Read on to discover why swimming is ideal for everyone, whatever stage of life you may be at.

It’s Never too Late to Learn to Swim

Looking to take the kids for their first dip? If you never learnt as a child yourself, then it can be an intimidating prospect. Never fear, however, as all 113 Everyone Active Centres that offer swimming lessons, include specialist courses for adults, meaning you’ve got no excuse not to jump in with the kids.

Swimming is low Impact

The water supports up to 90% of your body weight, allowing you to exercise while limiting the stress put on your joints. Whether you have an injury or have just developed some aches and pains over the years, swimming can be a great form of exercise to stay fit without placing more pressure on your joints. Exercising in the water can help be of particular help to those with arthritis, improving your flexibility and mobility.

It’s Great for Relieving Stress

We all live such busy lives it can all get a little on top of us. Work, friends, family, homework, social media, these can all make us feel stressed. Whatever your age, swimming is a great way of washing away those worries and enjoy your time in the water. This could be ploughing up and down the lanes, taking some time to yourself, or enjoying some fun time with the family. Swimming can help lower those stress levels, reduce anxiety and depression, as well as improving your sleeping patterns.

Swimming is a Great Social Activity

Swimming doesn’t have to be something you do on your own, so why not take some friends and enjoy your swims together, using one another as motivation to keep going. Not too keen on doing laps? Have a laugh with your friends during one of the pool-based fitness classes like Aqua Aerobics or Aqua Circuits. What you waiting for?

It’s Healthy!

You may think this is an obvious one, but it’s a fact that’s always worth re-iterating. Swimming is great for burning calories and is a great form of cardiovascular exercise. Indeed, swimming just 30 minutes a week can help to guard against heart disease, strokes and type 2 diabetes.

Most Importantly: Swimming is fun

Taking your friends, kids, parents, grandparents, or even your colleagues to the pool is a great activity for everyone. So what you waiting for? Head to your local Everyone Active centre and take a dip today.