Swimming is a great whole body exercise as nearly all major muscle groups are recruited when using the proper technique. It is also a good fitness choice, as the pressure and resistance of the water makes your muscles work harder than on land, on average over 200 calories are burnt over 30 minutes of steady swimming, 50 per cent more than if you were to do similar exercise on land.

One of the greatest things about swimming is that it requires very little equipment to get started. If you are learning how to swim, you may need aid devices to keep you afloat, such as arm bands or swimming floats.