Wednesday, 01 September 2021
When she moved to Luton from Brixton three years ago, 60-year old Renee was looking for a slower pace of life, more open space and more quality time with her family, her mother, who has Alzheimer’s, and her 2-year old grand-daughter. Luton hasn’t disappointed. Renee is really enjoying life here and has discovered more than she thought she would.
Renee hadn’t swum in years and was encouraged by her son, who started swimming and going to the gym at Inspire: Luton Sports Village to get back into it. Like many of us, Renee had been doing a lot of walking during lockdown and was looking to do something different.
“I went along to Inspire to feel out the water again. I was a bit slow at first, but continued as I thought it was just so lovely at Inspire: the layout, the atmosphere, everything really. And I loved the feeling of being in the water – I found it so relaxing and stress releasing.”
Renee took out a swim membership. She swims four mornings a week and she also brings her granddaughter to AquaTots on Fridays too.
“I’m doing about an hour each time, have got stronger and fitter, and am losing weight too,” said Renee.
Last year, Sport England’s Active Lives Survey revealed 95 percent of black adults and 80 percent of black children in England do not swim, whilst 93 percent of Asian adults and 78 percent of Asian children follow the same pattern.
The Black Swimming Association (BSA), founded in 2020, is currently working with Swim England to bridge the gap between the aquatic sector and people from these communities who are disengaged with swimming. The BSA explains that people of African, Caribbean, and Asian heritage have been historically prevented from joining aquatics, resulting in a lack of education around water safety. Not only does swimming improve your physical wellbeing and fitness, but it can also save your life. The World Health Organisation (WHO) studies show that there is a higher risk of drowning amongst minority ethnic communities due to the lack of swimming ability and knowledge.
“Think of the health benefits and also the social aspect of swimming,” says Renee to encourage people to get back into the pool.
The health benefits of swimming are significant. The NHS states that regular swimming can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and strokes. It is also a low impact activity - exercising in water supports your body and has less impact on your joints and bones, making it perfect for any ability or age.
Moreover, Swim England published a report which shows that swimming reduces joint pain, improves heart health and capacity, and increases bone strength.
There are also extensive mental health benefits. Swimming can reduce stress in numerous ways. Once a regular rhythm of swimming strokes has been cultivated, you can experience a relaxing, almost meditative effect on the mind. Moreover, scientific studies presented on Anxiety UK explain that swimming may generate new brain cells in those parts of the brain where chronic stress has led to cell deterioration – a process called hippocampal neurogenesis.
As Renee suggests, swimming is also a social activity - it is an ideal environment to meet new friends and motivate yourself to form consistent habits.
If you cannot swim, it’s never too late to learn. Swimming requires little equipment other than a swimming costume or shorts, and goggles can help if the chlorine irritates your eyes. We offer beginners lessons and many other aquatic options.
Renee shared, “Just ask about what’s available for you – whether it’s disability sessions, women-only sessions or even lessons – there will be support for you.”
To learn more and dive right in, check out our swimming pools in Luton here. This month, you can save up to 30% on our 1-Month Membership and there’s no joining fee, if you’re feeling inspired by Renee, take the plunge and sign up here.