Taking up any form of swimming is a great way to build cardiovascular fitness and Gymist is here to help you find aquatic activities and swimming pools near you. You don’t just have to count lengths. Wild swimming, competitive swimming, water aerobics and diving are just some of the options you have.
Swimming pools
There are many types of swimming space around the UK. Many gyms will have a swimming pool or even an olympic pool. However, you can also find lidos for some outdoor swimming, diving pools for the thrill seekers and water parks for fun.
Swimming coaches
Swim coaches aren't just for those learning to swim. You can also find coaches who can help with triathlon training, in-water physio or also with advanced swimming techniques.
Swimming activities
Aquatic activities have some of the strongest health benefits of any exercise. In the water, you'll find activities that combine water resistance, motor skills and entertainment.
The benefits of
Swimming
If you’re reading this, you are already thinking about getting into the water. Swimming as a form of exercise or sport has some solid advantages over other forms. The constant resistance of water means that your movements take more exertion than in air, and the faster you want to move, the more resistance you feel and the harder you have to work. This constant exertion means almost every aquatic activity is higher intensity than in air. There is also the fact that your whole body is challenged to maintain balance and buoyancy while also being supported and not stressing joints. The benefits of this full-body workout and constant resistance are numerous:
- it’s a low-impact exercise suitable for all age ranges.
- it’s ideal for rehabilitation for injury and arthritis.
- it’s high intensity cardiovascular training.
- it works stabiliser muscles.
- it improves blood flow throughout your body.
- it reduces the risk of heart disease and type two diabetes.
Choosing your
Aquatic Activity
If you need some inspiration for your aquatic adventures, start with what you want to achieve. Trying a new activity? Adding to your existing fitness regime? Whatever it is, there is something for you.
Swimming Strokes
Diving
Outdoor swimming
Classes
Swim clubs
Lifeguard
How to help your
Swimming Technique
STRENGTH
Moving through water with speed requires stronger muscles that can overcome the increasing water resistance. Weight lifting out of the pool will help explosive movements in it.
CARDIO
The constant resistance of water means that you are challenged with a medium cardiovascular workload at all times. Keeping your cardio abilities up will help you perform better in the water.
National associations for
Swimming
Swim England
Scottish Swimming
Swim Ulster
