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Staying active is a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle at any age, but it becomes particularly important as we age, when various health issues can have a greater impact on our bodies. The good news? Increasing your physical activity with sports such as swimming is a fantastic way to help prevent and manage health conditions.

Swimming is a great way to add some cardio to your routine too. Thanks to it's a low-impact nature, it provides an effective workout while being kind to your body, helping reduce the risk of injury. No matter your exercise goal, it's never too late to get back into the pool!

What do I need for a swimming session?

So, you're ready to go, but you're not sure what else to bring apart from some obvious essentials, like your swimming costume? Don’t worry - here are a few of our suggestions:

• A swimming cap - if you’ve got longer hair, a swimming cap is a must. It keeps your hair out of the way and reduces drag (the force that slows you down as you push through the water).
  
  
• A locker coin or padlock - depending on which of our pools you visit, you'll need either a locker coin or padlock to secure your items in our lockers. Check ahead so you’re prepared!
  
  
• A water bottle - you won't notice how much you're sweating while you're in the pool, making it even more crucial to stay hydrated before, during, and after your session!
  
  
• A snack - a post-swim snack is great for refuelling. Choose something high in protein to help repair and recover your muscles after your workout!

What are the benefits?

Now we'll dive into the good stuff...

Eases joint pain

Whether it’s an achy knee or a sore joint, swimming is a fantastic way to ease joint pain and relieve arthritic symptoms. The buoyancy of the water supports your body weight, making movement smoother and more comfortable!

Supports bone strength

Swimming is one of the only forms of exercise that simultaneously works all muscle groups at once, making it an excellent choice for supporting bone strength. This is especially important as we age, as strong bones help maintain good posture and stability.

Boosts sleep quality

It’s not just the movement of water that can make us feel good, it’s also the sound too! Many people find the sound of moving water soothing and calming, offering both your body and mind a chance to relax and recharge. 

Improves mental health

There's a good chance that you'll meet lots of new people while you swim with us, our pools are home to thriving Communities! Swimming is more social than we think. Exercising with others helps create dopamine – the “happy hormone” – in addition to aiding mood, memory, and cognition.

If you’re unsure on where to begin in your swimming journey, our Just Swim sessions could be a great place to start. They do exactly what they say in the tin – providing an area in the pool where you and other swimmers can take things at your own pace. Read more about Just Swim sessions here.

If you enjoy the water and fancy becoming a regular, one of our Swim membership packages could also suit you. Find out more about our swim memberships.

Ready to take a dip? View the pool timetable at your nearest pool below!

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Sources: Swim England (swimming.org) | Swim to Improve Your Sleep and Health (Alaska Sleep Clinic)