3 reasons to get yourself poolside this summer!

Add water to your workouts with our 3 reasons to get yourself poolside this summer.

We know what you’re thinking – skimpy cossies, dodgy leisure-centre pools and messy hair. Well think again! Firstly, the sporty swimwear now on offer is a far cry from the frumpy, unflattering one-pieces of old (check out Sweaty Betty and Lululemon for starters). Secondly most gyms have far swankier pools than they used to, and, if you haven’t braved swimming outside yet (in an outdoor lido or the lake/the sea), you’re missing out! And finally the hair… well there’s not a great deal you can do about that, it will get wet! But a natty hat from speedo or Sweaty Betty will keep it under control.

So with all that out of the way, we caught up with SwimLab swim coach Salim Ahmed to find out why hitting the pool could be great news for your wellbeing this summer.

1. Swimming exercises all the muscle groups

‘Forget all that nonsense from Protein World. If you want an activity that safely tones all the major muscle groups in your body, safely, then swimming is it,’ says Salim. ‘Executed well, you can tone up safely and naturally, minimising any risk of injury or strain. Remember it is totally non weight-bearing! Plus it’s fantastic for joints.’

2. It’s great for your heart

‘Aim for as little as 20 minutes of continuous movement, and you have an awesome workout for your heart and general circulation,’ says Salim. ‘Obviously we at SwimLab aim to make that 20 minutes of movement look and feel great. You’ll just know when you get there, as you effortlessly glide through the water, flooded with energy and the desire to just not stop!

3. It’ll chill you out

‘The rhythm of breathing while swimming has a fabulously calming effect on your mind. The benefits of a regulated metronome-like breathing pattern has a similar effect to Yoga,’ says Salim. ‘That combined with being immersed in the element of life (water) gives you a feeling of sanctuary, comfort, calm and quiet solitude. When you take that first dip under the surface, you markedly switch off from the world and all its distractions on our time and attention. That can be unbelievably liberating!’

Fancy brushing up your skills? Salim teaches the Swim Clinic at the Watergate Bay Hotel, Cornwall.