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- What is Body Magic<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Removing your Body Magic barriers<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A quick workout you can do at home<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What: <\/strong>Swimming needs very little introduction! It\u2019s an activity open to everyone, whatever your age, size or fitness level. If you can\u2019t swim, it\u2019s never too late to learn, as many pools offer swimming lessons for adults, on a one-to-one basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Top tip:<\/strong> Swimming is especially good for people with joint or mobility problems, as the water supports up to 90% of your body weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why:<\/strong> There are so many health and fitness benefits to swimming \u2013 it really is brilliant Body Magic<\/a>. It… <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- burns energy (more than walking for the same amount of time!)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- helps tone the body and build strength<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- can help to reduce stress <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- works every major muscle group<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- can give a great cardio workout<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- can help improve coordination, balance, posture and flexibility<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
It can even help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Top tip: <\/strong>Vary your strokes to get the best full-body benefits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- breaststroke really works the legs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- upper back and abdominals get a good workout from backstroke<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- front crawl works the shoulders and arms<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- butterfly gives a great full-body workout for advanced swimmers!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Slimming World member Ruby found that swimming helped with the symptoms of fibromyalgia and scoliosis.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Ruby](\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/ruby-hardy-body-magic-slimming-world-blog.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\u201cSwimming improved my fitness, supported my weight loss and helped me manage my pain, so I didn\u2019t feel the need to comfort myself with food.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where:<\/strong> The obvious choice is a local pool. Many council-run leisure centres boast swimming pools \u2013 and you\u2019ll also find private pools, often as part of a gym complex. You can use Poolfinder<\/a> or Swim Ireland<\/a> to find your nearest. Other options include open pools (lidos) and open water swimming in rivers, lakes or the sea, although it goes without saying that only very confident swimmers should take a swim on the wild side!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Top tip: <\/strong>If wild swimming sounds up your street, the safest bet is to join a wild swimming club and choose somewhere that has an area sectioned off for safer wild swimming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When:<\/strong> Most pools are open from early morning until late at night, giving you lots of leeway to find a time that works for you. It\u2019s not advisable to swim on a full stomach, so timing your swims before mealtimes will mean you can quickly satisfy the appetite you\u2019ve just worked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MORE ON THE BLOG: Find out about our filling, flavour-packed Food Optimising plan<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Top tip: <\/strong>If you\u2019re worried about swimming \u2013 or being in swimwear \u2013 in front of others, call the pool to find out the quieter times (go really early morning and you may find you have the pool to yourself!). Many pools also offer same-sex swimming sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How:<\/strong> One of the great things about swimming is that you don\u2019t need any fancy equipment \u2013 all you really need is water (although, don\u2019t forget the swimwear!). There\u2019s a variety of different strokes to choose from, and you might also find swim-based fitness classes such as aqua fitness, aqua jogging, aqua stretch, aqua dance or aqua Zumba. Classes are a fun way to try a type of exercise while minimising the impact on your joints – the resistance of the water slows the pace but can actually increase the benefits of the workout. (There are currently differing restrictions on fitness classes across the UK \u2013 your local pool will be able to let you know what\u2019s available near you.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember, no one can see you in the water. If you\u2019re worried about the walk from the changing rooms, take your towel or a towelling dressing gown to the side of the pool. Many pools have hooks, rails or spectator chairs, so you can leave your towel close by (although Covid-19 safety restrictions may mean that these aren\u2019t available at the moment, so it\u2019s a good idea to check before you book). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Top tip:<\/strong> Choosing swimwear that you feel comfortable in can also help with any waterside worries. You\u2019ll find a wide variety of flattering, comfortable swimwear in the shops and online \u2013 with some ranges that include tankinis, t-shirts, long-sleeve tops, skirts, shorts, leggings and all-in-ones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Removing your Body Magic barriers<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n