Swimming Update – 21st September 2020
The pool also reopened for public swimming at Woolston, meaning three out of the four swimming sites across Warrington that are managed by LiveWire have now reopened. Broomfields Leisure Centre is scheduled to reopen in November.
Things have changed a bit at LiveWire’s pools because of the Covid-19 pandemic with a number of safety guidelines in place however LiveWire is running Lane Swim, Family Swim and Aquafit classes, as well as swimming lessons. For timetables and FAQs, please visit https://livewirewarrington.co.uk/leisure/swimming
So what makes swimming so great? Well it’s an ideal form of exercise for almost anybody – regardless of age, health or ability. It’s a fantastic all-round workout that offers many physical and mental benefits – and because it is low impact (ie doesn’t put pressure on your joints) it’s a really good place to start if you have been out of exercise for a while and want to start again.
It’s also a form of exercise that you can enjoy whatever your age – meaning swimming is a hobby that can last a lifetime. And it can be of particular benefit to those living with long term health conditions such as dementia, the effects of a stroke, diabetes and depression by improving pain reduction, fitness and balance, and reducing anxiety. Regular physical activity, such as swimming can help control these conditions.
Here’s our top 5 reasons we love swimming:
- Weight Loss: Swimming can help you maintain a healthy weight and is one of the most effective way to burn calories. A gentle swim can burn over 200 calories in just half an hour – and a faster swim would burn even more.
- Lowers the risk of disease: As well as improving coordination, balance, posture and flexibility, swimming just 30 minutes a week can help to guard against heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.
- Mental Health: On the mental health front, swimming is massively beneficial. It can be a relaxing and peaceful form of exercise, alleviate stress and give you time to think. Knowing about water safety and learning to swim can increase your confidence too.
- Increases your energy levels. Swimming for 30 minutes three times a week can boost your energy levels through an increased metabolic rate.
- Swimming is fun! All these health benefits are fantastic – but let’s not forget that doing something because you enjoy it is reason enough!
Catriona Sudlow, Activity Development Manager for LiveWire, said: “Swimming is an activity than can be enjoyed by all ages, bringing families together and providing a fantastic way to keep fit and active. It can be a positive first step towards fitness for people beginning their journey back to health after an injury or illness and through our Learn to Swim Programme, we can help children build their water confidence and learn an important life skill. With our pools at Orford Jubilee, Great Sankey and Woolston now open there are a range of opportunities available for you to get back in the pool.’
Remember to always pick a safe place to swim – visit the Royal Lifesaving Society’s website for more information and advice on staying safe in the water https://www.rlss.org.uk/pages/category/water-safety-information