Swimming
Is swimming the right fit for me?
Swimming is a great way to get active without putting stress on your joints. The way that the water supports your body combined with how swimming works almost every muscle in your body makes it ideal for people of all ages and abilities.
Swimming is what’s known as a ‘low-impact exercise’, which means it places less stress on your body in comparison to many other exercises. This is ideal for pregnant women, older people, people recovering from injuries or anyone with joint trouble. If you have trouble running for example, swimming could be a much better fit for you.
Is this suitable for me?
Swimming is an activity that people of all ages, abilities and body types can enjoy. It’s perfect for beginners because it allows you to start being active without putting your joints under additional pressure. This can help you build your muscles and get your fitness level up before you try something like jogging or fitness classes.
Most people can safely enjoy swimming, even if you’re pregnant. In fact most pools have activities and groups specifically for a variety of tastes and abilities, like pregnancy programmes, women-only classes, parent and toddler groups, and lessons for different age groups.
Even if you don’t know how to swim, it’s never too late to learn. There are lots of swim classes and instructors who can teach you to swim in a happy, friendly, relaxed environment. Learning a new skill is always rewarding, particularly when it can be such a boost to your health.
How will it benefit me?
There are many advantages to swimming more often. Fitting it into your weekly routine could help you:
- Feel more energetic
- Boost your confidence
- Help you sleep
- Improve your mood
- Keep your weight under control
- Strengthen and tone your muscles
- Look after your joints
- Reduce stress
- Recover from injuries
- Manage or lose weight
- Fight aging by strengthening bones/muscles and improving balance and coordination
- Help manage long term conditions like diabetes and COPD
- Reduce the risk of serious illnesses, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke
How much will it cost me?
Swimming isn’t usually a free activity but it is quite a reasonable and inexpensive activity. Typically public swimming baths offer swim sessions for less than £5 - and less than £2 if you qualify for a concessionary rate
You don’t need any equipment other than a swimsuit, trunks or shorts. You might also want to get yourself some goggles, a swim hat or earplugs. This isn’t necessary but may help you to feel more comfortable in the water.
If you need swimming lessons the price of these can vary depending on your needs. Intensive one-to-one sessions tend to be more expensive but if you’re willing to learn over a longer period this can be cheaper.
Can I do this near me?
You can give swimming a go in lots of pools across Liverpool, so pop down to your local leisure centre, gym or public swimming baths. Get your trunks on, make a splash and start feeling good. Click here to find swimming classes near you
Good Boost Aqua Programme - Sessions to help build water confidence and improve mobility.
Bridgefield Water Polo Club if you are able to swim and want to try something new click here
There is also a Facebook page for more information.
How do I start?
If you’ve been swimming before then all you need to do is find your local pool, check what time it’s open and get down there with your swimsuit. Most pools have different schedules that offer something for everyone.
If you’d like to swim on your own, at your own pace, then look out for ‘general swim’ – where the pool is open to everyone. However, if you’d like something more exciting and energetic many pools offer 30-minute classes that involve dancing and other exercises. These can be a great way to meet new people and have fun.
Don’t worry if you don’t know how to swim yet, you’re not alone. Most pools offer adult-only beginners' lessons; these sessions focus on building your confidence in the water and teaching good swimming technique.
If you’re nervous or unsure about starting lessons, ask to speak with one of the teachers, they’ll be happy to answer any questions and you can ask to watch a class first if you’d like. This will help you get a better idea of whether swimming is the right fit for you.