10 Reasons Why Everyone Should Swim

Swimming moves the whole body against the resistance of water and puts the body through a broad range of movements that helps to keep joints, ligaments and connective tissue flexible.

Freestyle and backstroke are best to lengthen and strengthen muscles whilst providing support for the spine. Breaststroke is best avoided if you have back or neck pain as it can cause too much hyperextension at the neck and low back.

To prevent back pain during swimming it is important to engage core muscles so that the low back doesn't over arch. It is important to roll the body from side to side during freestyle so that the head can turn smoothly with each breath and neck jarring can be avoided.

Swimming is great for any age or fitness and it's never too late to learn with many public pools offering swimming lessons from toddler to adult.

1. Low impact on joints

2. Strengthens muscles

3. Improves posture

4. Improves coordination

5. Improves balance

6. Lengthens muscles

7. Builds endurance

8. Improves cardiovascular fitness

9. Helps to increase bone density

10. Meditative (links breath with movement)