Swimming is a great activity that provides a thorough workout to all parts of the body, and is suitable to people of all ages and abilities.

Swimming is low impact: it doesn't place the stress on your bones and joints like running and other sports do.

Regular swimming builds endurance, muscle strength and cardio-vascular fitness. It encourages steady, deep breathing and is excellent for improving lung capacity. Those with breathing difficulties such as asthma often find swimming a highly effective treatment.

You can go at your own pace, you can stop when you're ready, and you can set your own goals. It requires very little organisation: you don't need to be part of a competition, you don't need to organise a team, and you don't need complicated equipment.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your swimmers, your goggles and a towel, and head down to your nearest pool! You'll feel great for it!

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