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.
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:
Swim lessons and instructors aren’t just useful for new swimmers. Join a class and learn how to correct a screw kick or do a tumble turn.
There are more than 100 swimming clubs in the UK and they are a great place to meet fellow swimmers or hone your skills.
There are more than 100 swimming clubs in the UK and they are a great place to meet fellow swimmers or hone your skills.
For the more competitive swimmers, water sports might be of interest. While swimming is a competitive sport in its own right across different strokes and distances, you can also try out sports like water polo and surfing.
Diving is not just falling with style. If you can master your nerves, diving can be an exhilarating activity. Check out free diving, synchronised diving and high diving.
From lidos to fully wild swimming, getting outdoors for your swim fix isn’t as hard as you think. Checkout the Outdoor Swimming Society for tips on getting started.
Swim England is the national governing body for swimming in England. They help people learn how to swim, enjoy the water safely, and compete in our sports.
Scottish Swimming is the national governing body for swimming, diving, open water, artistic swimming and water polo in Scotland.
From learning to swim to the elite athletes. Find a swimming, water polo, synchro or diving club in Wales.
Founded in 1893, Swim Ulster is recognised as the governing body for aquatic sports in Ulster.
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.
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.
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.