New member- swimming lessons!

Hello and welcome!

Oh yes, swimming is one of the few things I actually enjoy! My only problem is getting in and out of pool... I'm so stiff atm. I find swimming very calming too.

Enjoy!

Yes, I love swimming & go twice a week. I do aquafit & it’s a great workout & you don’t need to be able to swim well to join in.

When in Tenerife I swim twice a day. I find it great for my joints as long as I don’t swim at the same pace as I used to be able to do. Enjoy your lesson.

Hi (and welcome!), I love swimming. I get out and feel like a normal person for a few hours! It is so gentle and relaxing and good for the joints (and spirit!).

I also do Pilates which I find amazingly good. I roll about on the floor not feeling like I’m doing anything much, but the feeling afterwards once everything has been gently exercised is amazing!

I go to aquafit two to three times a week. There are steps with a hand rail at the pool (and a hoist but I don't need that currently) The instructor knows the type of problem that I have and sometimes tells me an alternative to what most of the others are doing (I keep near the front so that she can see me). She is a 'level four' instructor so has had extra training for disabilities and there are lots of people in the class who have progressed from 'Exercise on Prescription' referrals.

I also do circle dancing (no partner needed and you can sit down when you need to). And gardening mostly sitting down.

Yes I love it Catty, haven’t been this week as hand and elbow flaring badly but was recommended by rheumatology. I did lessons to teach me to breathe with front crawl which were brilliant: bizarrely find this easier than breast stroke. My local rheumatology dept has small warm pool and do ‘aqua fit’ type programmes specifically for RA. Good luck x

Catty1988 I am really interested to hear how you get on. I used to swim twice a week , breast stroke head out of the water stuff, but just can't do it now due to my neck problems. I had considered learning how to do front crawl to see if I could manage that and wondered about a private lesson or two.

I started Tai Chi 2 weeks ago and am managing okish, with regular breaks of sitting down and taking more NSAIDS (voltarol) the nights before and after I go, otherwise I just cease up.

I can't swim on my front due to neck & shoulder problems..but I manage with a type of back crawl......but be aware how close you are to the end of the pool...I nearly pole axed myself when I first started! I go so carried away how fast I appeared to be going I forgot to stop...Ouch!

Yes swmming is amazing. If your learning ask when the quieter times are. It will be easier when the water isn't choppy. I always feel relaxed after, and make time after to enjoy the feeling before do any other jobs. You may even meet some new friends that are in the same boat. Good luck and most importantly enjoy it😊

Hi it varies. I find if I've overdone it can feel a little shaky after. I always take a big cold squash for after. Sometimes I need to nap, then other time I can crack on with the day. Always good to listen to your body....harder said than done. Usually its just me enjoying it so much and not noticing my body, probably those lovely endorphins!😊

Hi swimming is great for rhuematoid arthritis, puts no pressure on joints, give it a try. You could also try walking a few miles every day, that's a good exercise also and good for all your body. I walk everyday with my dog Oscar he keeps me active. I have had rhuematoid arthritis like you for 2 years, was devastated, use to go to the gym, climb mountains,another good exercise is going on a bike ride, but don't overdo it. Hope you find the right exercise for you. Good luck.😄

Really the very best of luck....I’ve been thinking of swimming just not got there yet!

Hi Catty1988 I'm from near Walsall. I love swimming when in the water i feel relaxed. I also do hydrotherapy, most leisure centres around me offer this. Enjoy learning to swim & ask about hydrotherapy.

yes -made a gr8t difference 2me -see my reply to Waffs - fingrs too tired 2 retype. xx

ps cold ish water cools inflammation, i now do 5 mornings mon-friday for abt 40 mins, varies from 14 - 30 lengths dep on energy. xx

They cancelled my first lesson on Saturday! So have to wait till next week. Thanks for ur advice, also good to know what kind of time frame is good. Excited to start. X

Hi everyone- update on swimming.

They cancelled my swimming lesson last Saturday. But I went today for my first session. Oh my god I loved it!

I went to a group lesson (only 4 others in the lesson today) I started with arm bands and floats, and then instructor watched me and said I could try without so ended lesson with no aids, just paddling from one side to the other to get used to the water. Surprised myself how well I did. Definitely felt it working my legs today! Stayed in water 30 mins, got a little tired after doing a lap so took my time when needed. Cant wait to go again! I'm going to go on my own to practise in Between lessons.

Thanks for all the advice made me less nervous to go!

Just seen this Catty. Well done you for the swimming lessons. Yes, swimming helps immensely. It's a great exercise with no weightbearing on joints. I wish you every success with your lessons. I am sure you will love it. Best of luck. X

Glad you had such a positive first swim. I'm sure you'll be great and will benefit enormously.

I went a few days ago with my daughter, had fun, didn't overdo it. Then her hat slipped off so instead of using the ladder like a normal person. I pulled myself up from the side and popped the hat back on. I sprain my shoulder and spent two nights and days having to rest with peas and hot water bottles. Even had to use an old pair of knickers as a quick sling at one point. My lesson is learned..... The hard way!😂