A fun fitness initiative is set to launch in leisure centres around the country next month, which blends the gym and the pool.
Sunderland Aquatic Centre is one of many that will be using SwimFit to get people motivated about swimming.
Swimfit sessions are based on the structure of gym classes, and take place in small groups led by qualified teachers.
Each swimmer will have a fitness card which has support and advice for their next sessions.
Lara Lill, head of health and wellbeing at the Amateur Swimming Association, said: “Ranging from beginner to advanced, Swimfit provides an all round workout which can lead to completing swim challenges or swimming at least once a week.”
Steve Dougal, Sunderland Aquatic Centre manager, is optimistic that SwimFit will encourage more people to take up swimming: “Customers will be motivated by the session and instructor. The key thing is how they interact with customers, which is what is missing in our programmes.”
Click here to visit the Sunderland Aquatic Centre website for opening times and programme events.
He hopes that customers will use the information from their personal sessions and continue outside of it.
He added: “It’s for those who want to increase fitness, there’s a gap that needed filling between what we do for recreational and clubs. This lands in the middle.”
The Aquatic Centre opened in 2008 and has been a thriving business for Sunderland. Robert Dobson, deputy manager believes this is down to variety: “We change our programme on a four monthly basis depending on what is popular. “
He believes leisure is a luxury now but the Aquatic Centre has made swimming a much more accessible sport, giving people a well-rounded leisure experience.
Joan Roberts, 28, Sunderland, Shop Assistant, visits the centre twice a week, she said: “Anything that gets you up and active is positive! It’s cheaper than the gym and more enjoyable. Swimfit will be very sociable as everyone has similar interests and is more engaged with the sport.”
To find out whether your local pool is taking part in Swimfit click here: http://www.swimming.org/swimfit
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