Swimming

(And cardiovascular activities in water)

Lots of people who find moving difficult find they can do more in the water.  Although it might feel like a challenge to get your swim wear on and get in the pool, swimming, water walking or aqua aerobics might be a beneficial way to get active for you. 

Being in the water will keep your body cool, so if you are someone who finds that getting hot makes your symptoms worse (heat sensitivity) exercising in water might be a good option for you. 

Getting in and out of the pool

Getting in and out of a swimming pool can be tricky.  Very few pools are walk in and out ones.  However most, if not all pools now have specialist seats and equipment to help you in and out.  Call ahead to your local pool to find out what equipment they have and if you need to book assistance to use it. 

Changing room tips

Think about putting your swim wear on at home and then have a rest before you head off to the pool.  For women, you might want to consider buying a two-piece swimming costume instead of a one piece, as they can be easier to get on and off.  Make sure you chose clothes to wear over the top that are easy to get on and off so you can minimise time and effort in the changing room.  Keep a bottle of water in your bag so as soon as you are out of the pool you can rehydrate.  Changing rooms can be hot and it’s easy to overheat and dehydrate.

Continence

Getting in and out of cool water can be a challenge for anyone’s bladder at the best of times, let alone if your MS affects you in that way too.  If you would dread swimming because you’re worried about issues of urgency or incontinence, then take a look at the MS Trust videos in the Information Suite section for some more information and advice.

You might want to take a look at our Pelvic Health and Activities section and chose some activities which are intended to help improve continence.

Water temperature

Check the water temperature before you go to the pool.  Some pools can be very cold and come quite hot.  A more tepid temperature will be best for anyone who suffers with heat or cold sensitivity.

*Do not get into a pool that does not have a lifeguard present.  If you are unsure how you will manage in the water, alert the lifeguard before entering the water and seek assistance.

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Swimming

If it’s been a while since you’ve been swimming, take someone with you if possible for a bit of confidence or to make things a bit easier to get started.  If there’s no one around that you can bring, call the pool and ask what assistance they can offer. 

If you’re a strong swimmer, try to count and record in your log the number of lengths you do, so you can challenge yourself to increasing the number of lengths you do over time or swimming a variety of different strokes.

Swimming with support

If you can stretch your arms and legs out in the water and float well but can’t quite make the full swimming strokes with your arms or legs, you might want to think about swimming with a float. 

There are a range of foam floats that can allow you to hold on with your hands and focus on kicking your legs and that go between your thighs to help you stay afloat while you just use your arms.

Water walking

If swimming is not something you enjoy, or don’t feel comfortable, then simply walking in the water is a really good activity for your legs.  You should feel lighter in the water and you’ll probably move better.  Water produces a type of resistance so you have to work a bit to move against it which is helpful if you are wanting to work on your strength.

Aqua aerobics

Some pools will offer aerobic type classes that are done in the water.  These are perfect for doing something with others and will provide a good workout.  Call or visit your local pool to find out what water-based activities they offer.

Listen to Ceri talk about her experiences of aqua aerobics and water walking and what she feels these activities do for her.

[insert film of Ceri]