your health
Maximise your pool workout with these simple tips
According to Sport England, around 4.7 million people swim twice or more a month, meaning it’s one of the most popular sports in the country. As a low-impact and relatively cost-effective way of moving your body, it can be an ideal form of exercise for older adults – and can benefit both mind and body.
Swimming offers both a great cardiovascular workout and will increase muscle tone and strength, creating greater support for bones and joints which, in turn, can prevent falls. By working all the major muscle groups, it provides an effective full ‐body workout and can help promote better sleep. Plus, it’s a great way to relax your mind and can reduce anxiety and depression. Unlike many other sports, age won’t hold you back from improving your form and technique.
If you’re a regular visitor to your local pool, or just starting out, Dean Zweck of Total Fitness (totalfitness.co.uk) offers some tips on how to make your swim more effective.
Watch your speed
Swimming at a relaxed pace can be calming and a form of low-intensity exercise, but if you’re aiming to burn more calories, add some variety to your routine. Bring High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) to the pool by mixing up your swimming with different speeds. Try to alternate between long and slow sprints and incorporate high-intensity laps with periods of rest and recovery.
Switch strokes
Swimming is a fantastic full-body workout, however, if you really want to target all your muscles, it’s important to use a variety of strokes. Different strokes work different muscle groups, so switch things up and inc
