The health benefits of swimming

Swimming is an exercise that benefits the whole body and it's ideal way to strengthen your muscles. Accessible to everyone, regardless of age or ability, swimming makes you feel stronger and healthier. What's more if you mix your strokes, you can target different parts of your body. Front crawl for example is great for the upper body and strengthening muscles in your back, abdomen and torso with breaststroke good for the lower limbs. Because it's low impact and supports up to 90% of the body, swimming is also ideal for injured athletes. The perfect way to keep fit and stay active.

As with all exercise, swimming releases endorphins in the brain. But there's something therapeutic about being in the water. Not only does it help you relax your body, clear your mind and reduce anxiety, it's said to reduce stress more so than any other sport. It also boosts brain health and mood plus you can do it with your mates!

As well as the obvious benefits, swimming can help keep your blood pressure low, reduce the risk of heart disease, strokes and type 2 diabetes. The humid environment can make swimming a great activity for those of you with asthma - helping breathing and lung capacity.

Swimming is one of the best ways to burn calories. A gentle 30 minute swim can burn twice as many calories as walking with a faster longer swim burning up to 500 calories per hour!

Finally, swimmers are said to be biologically younger with those heading to pool regularly helping blood pressure, cholesterol levels and cardiovascular performance along with the central nervous system.