Get Wet!

There is possibly only one physical activity that could see a baby enjoying the pleasures of activity at the same time as a grandma, yes you’ve got it... swimming! A fantastic activity for all ages, water gives us the freedom and opportunity to exercise safely.

If you are a novice to exercise and looking to start with something a little easier, or coming back into it after a ‘rest’ period, getting into the water would be a good first move.  Being able to exercise at your own pace with the support of the water will enable you to continue for longer and gain more from the session.

Get the Benefits


Whilst exercising in water, whether it be a gentle swim, game of water polo or 65+ swimming competition you will gain a whole body workout using and building strength in all of your major muscles.  You can do this safe within the knowledge that the impact on your body will be reduced by at least 50% of that which it would be on land.  Not only this but you will be burning calories and positive affects on your cardio-vascular system (heart and lungs), posture and flexibility will become noticeable once you are into a regular routine.

Top of page

Get Safe


On a more serious note it is a very important for both adults and children to be confident and capable in water out of their depth.  To ensure this, children should be enrolled into swimming lessons and taught about water safety from a young age.  The ASA runs annual ‘Get Safe for Swimming Campaign’.  Look out for this next summer or get more info from getsafe@swimming.org

Top of page

Get Going


Okay, so we know we’ve got to get into the water, but what to do? Contrary to popular belief exercising in the water can involve more than swimming from one brick wall to another! Take a look below for some ideas of different activities that are available in most local areas.

Swimming


In Mother and Parent Swimming Lessons you will be taught how to confidently introduce your little one to the water. While your child is enjoying this new experience you can also interact with other young parents. The first step to your child’s swimming development and a fantastic social opportunity!

If your children are not yet confident in the water, or you are an adult still waiting to learn, enquire at your local pool into Swimming Lessons. Most lessons run on a weekly basis during term time and will only take up half an hour of your time. The majority of pools will follow a scheme of work in which ability is tracked and rewarded with certificates and badges. Be sure to check that instructors are fully qualified before joining up.

Alternatively, if your children are already swimming and you’re interested in finding a swimming club, check out our online database of sports clubs and facilities at: www.sporthampshireiow.co.uk/findacluborfacility

Did you know that most swimming club’s have adults as well as children’s sections? Masters Swimming is for any adult above 25 who enjoys swimming and would like to do so in a club environment. You will be given the opportunity to compete against other swimmers of a similar age and ability, or alternatively just enjoy the social aspect of training within a team.

It can be difficult to stay motivated when swimming, especially if you have little variety within your sessions. SWIM FIT, an ASA initiative, can provide you with a gym style work out to help structure your time in the pool. Training programmes, performance reviews and self-tests are all available by checking out: www.swimfit.com.

Other water sports at your local pool…

Water Aerobics
Try not to let yourself get too confused by the various different terms you may come across, aqua fit, water fit, aqua blast, deep aqua etc.. etc.. they all encompass two things, water and jumping around! Led by an instructor for motivation, water aerobics allows for a very low impact cardio-vascular and toning workout. If you are pregnant also look out for aqua natal, a water based class which allows you to exercise late into pregnancy whilst meeting and sharing tips and stories with other mothers to be.

Synchronised swimming
Disney have teamed up with the ASA to launch ‘Ariel’s Aqua Fun’. Within these sessions, which may be coming to a centre near you, children will be able to learn Synchronised Swimming along to the beat of Disney’s Little Mermaid!!

Scuba Diving
Don’t forget to contact your local Sports Development Officer for information on Diving and Open Water Swimming in your area.

Top of page

Clubs & facilities


Contact/visit your local swimming centre/facility for:

  • Swimming pool timetables
  • Class timetables
  • Information on discounts for students/concessions/swim saver cards etc.
  • Information on swimming lessons
  • 50 plus/Ladies only/Adults only swimming sessions
  • Information on swimming club’s using the facility

Use our sports club and facility listing to find out where you can take part.

Top of page

Get The Top Tips

  • In some pools it is compulsory to wear a swimming hat, check before you go.
  • Shower before and after swimming, it will keep the pool clean and prevent your skin from drying out.
  • Check the pool depth. Some pools will allow diving at certain times, ensure you know when and where.
  • Set yourself targets for motivation. Try and add a few lengths on or swim for a little longer each time.
  • Be sure to keep hydrated. You may be in a lot of water but you still need to drink it!
  • Warm up, cool down and stretch as you would with any type of exercise

Top of page