A new four-week study by British Gas SwimBritain reveals that swimming increases sleep quality, energy levels and fitness. In fact, it can improve well-being by 20 per cent after only one 30 minute session - just one more reason to join Ellie Simmonds and get back in the pool.
Ellie’s training plan
Warming up
1. Before you start, make sure you have a water bottle to hand. Just because you’re in water doesn’t mean you’re properly hydrated.
2. To warm up, swim six lengths of a 25m pool, with a 20 second rest between each length.
Main workout
3. For your main workout, first swim two lengths of either front crawl or breaststroke at a regular pace.
4. For the next two lengths, swim the first half of the length at your fastest pace then slow for the second half.
5. Repeat this for three lengths, taking a 20 second rest between each length.
6. Then finally swim two more lengths returning to your regular pace.
Cooling down
7. To cool down, swimming four lengths at your regular pace is all it should take for you bring your heart rate back down.
If you’re thinking of swimming more regularly, sign up now to British Gas SwimBritain taking place this August and September. With free instructor-led sessions and a goal to motivate you, SwimBritain is a great way to restart your swimming.