At Move it or Lose it, we believe that staying active should be enjoyable, welcoming and achievable for everyone. Our community-based classes are designed to help people stay active, independent and confident as they get older, with exercises that can be adapted to different abilities, energy levels and health conditions.

Alongside our classes, one activity we often recommend is swimming or simply exercising in water. With warmer weather arriving, it can be a lovely time to visit your local pool and enjoy the many benefits water-based activity has to offer.

Swimming is an excellent way to support your health and wellbeing as you age. It can help maintain heart health, muscle strength and mobility, all while being gentle on the body. Because the water supports your weight, swimming places less demand on the joints than many land-based activities, making it a popular choice for people looking for a gentler exercise option.

While it is a low-impact exercise option, swimming is still highly effective. Moving through the water works a range of muscle groups, including the legs, hips, back and core, shoulders and arms, helping to maintain strength and support everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, getting in and out of a chair, and carrying shopping.

The good news is you don’t need to be a strong swimmer, or even swim lengths, to reap the rewards. A gentle swim, an aqua aerobics class, walking through the water, or simply moving your arms and legs in the pool can all contribute to better strength, flexibility and fitness over time.

One of the great things about swimming is that it can be enjoyed at your own pace. Whether you’re returning to exercise after a break, managing a long-term health condition, or simply looking for a new way to stay active, swimming offers a safe, comfortable and enjoyable way to keep moving throughout later life.

If you feel unsure about going to the pool, start small. You might choose a quieter session, go with a friend, speak to the pool staff about accessible facilities, or begin with just 10–15 minutes in the water. Many pools offer sessions to suit different abilities, including lane swimming, gentle aqua classes, women-only sessions, accessible swimming and quieter times for those who prefer a calmer environment.

Water-based activity can also be a great complement to your Move it or Lose it class. Our classes help improve strength, balance, flexibility and confidence on land, while swimming can offer another gentle way to keep your joints moving and your body active between sessions.

Alongside regular physical activity, some people choose to support their routine with a supplement. Naturally sourced supplements such as GOPO® Joint Health, derived from rose-hip extract, may help to maintain healthy and flexible joints.*

Whether you’re looking to stay active, support your joint health, boost your confidence or simply try something new, swimming is a gentle, enjoyable way to look after your health. This summer, why not take the plunge and see how a little time in the water could help you feel stronger, more confident and more energised?

And remember, every bit of movement counts. You don’t have to swim far, move fast or do it perfectly – you just have to keep moving.

GOPO® Joint Health contains specially cultivated naturally sourced rose-hip with a uniquely high level of GOPO®. Long-standing research projects have focused on rose-hip with a high level of GOPO®. Rose-hip may play a valuable role in the maintenance of joints and joint tissues.*

GOPO® Joint Health is available from Boots, Amazon, Holland and Barrett, Pharmacy2U and independent chemists and retailers nationwide. Visit www.gopo.co.uk for further information.

*Rose-hips help maintain healthy and flexible joints. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of bones and cartilage. Vitamin C contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet and healthy lifestyle.

As with any supplement, it’s always best to check it is suitable for you, particularly if you take medication, have a medical condition, or are unsure whether it is right for your needs.