We woke up to this sky this morning. Whoop whoop! Summer’s back in London. Phew. Really thought that might have been our lot this year!

This week we’re getting a little geeky and talking about the beautiful connection between swimming and Pilates, and why? Well in this kind of weather,  nothing beats a spot of outdoor swimming. And who would of thought that we’re actually pretty spoiled for choice right here in London. You’ve got the lovely (and at times busy!) London Fields Lido, mostly lane swimming, but heated all year round, which of course wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Broadway market for a little post swim coffee/smoothie/juice.  Then there’s the Hampstead Ponds for a true – all natural swimming experience.  Can be pretty bracing but a beautiful place to take a dip. There’s a pop up beach in the Olympic Park for the summer – Beach East is very much kiddy friendly and has a decent sized splash pool and man made beach for all your sand castle needs! Plus if you’re up for travelling a little further afield just over an hours drive from East London you could go for the real deal with some swimming in the sea at the delightful town of Whitstable. Very much a chilly experience and definitely one for the more experienced swimmers.

So not only is it super fun to be outdoors and splashing around in the pool, swimming is obviously a great way to exercise and keep fit and healthy,  but just like Pilates its supported and safe so anyone can do it. Take the breast stroke, for example, its allows your spine to be in an extended position,  something that lots of us are loosing through poor posture from being desk bound all day or over connection to our smart phones or laptops.  The breast stroke helps us to open up the chest, extend the upper spine and strengthen the back, arms and legs, and therefore creating B A L A N C E in the body. Its a win win!! Plus for those of us who find extension difficult to achieve (think cobra or swan positions)  its a very safe and sensible way to move your spine in this direction.

And it seems Joseph was inspired too. In the classical Pilates matwork you’ll find an exercise called ‘swimming’ its a great exercise which allows for many variations at different levels, and again just like the swimming breaststroke its strengthens your whole body, whilst working your core. Plus in the classical Reformer there’s also ‘breaststroke’ and ‘backstroke’ exercises and then also ‘butterfly’ on the Cadillac. Sounds fun, no?!

Why not head down to one of our local classes and give it a go…or to your local pool for a dip.  Happy swimming…

Enjoy!