Walk more to swim faster

Simon Griffiths shares how walking can benefit your swimming, and lead you to more interesting swimming locations

The reality is, most of us don’t walk as much as we should or could. We sit behind desks and get whisked to where we need to go in cars, buses or trains. I’m guilty of this. But, unless there is a reason you can’t walk, walking is probably the easiest way to add more exercise to your day. And, within reason, the more exercise you do – especially moderateintensity exercise like brisk walking – the better.

As a swimmer, you are likely fitter than average. If you swim two or three times each week, it’s easy to hit the NHS’s guideline of 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week or 150 minutes of moderate exercise. But you could almost certainly be fitter and healthier if you moved more. Walking has a lower injury risk than running, requires no special equipment and can start at your front door.

However, we all have busy lives. Adding in another activity is challenging, so you need to be creative. Welcome any opportunity to move. If you’re out of milk, be the one who volunteers to walk to the shop to get it. Be the first to jump up to get something from the next room. Climb stairs whenever you can.

Walking more will benefit your swimming directly. It should improve your posture, work hip flexors weakened from too much sitting, and improve your stamina. And once you’re in the habit of walking, it creates new possibilities for your swimming.

A couple of years ago, I took the train to Windsor with my partner and daughter. From here, we walked along the Thames Path to Teddington Lock. We wanted to know if we could cover a marathon distance without doing any training. And apart from some blisters and aching legs the next day, we could. We planned to pack our clothes into tow floats and swim across the river whenever the towpath crossed sides. However, that proved impractical due to a lack of access and unclear entry and exit points. Instead, we stopped several times to swim when we came across enticing spots. It was a memorable day.

Being prepared to walk also gives you access to swimming spots that can’t be reached in any other way. Often, the further you have to walk, the more rewarding the swim. After several hours of hot walking, there’s nothing like peeling off your socks and plunging your feet into a cool mountain tarn. I’m writing this late in the evening. It’s getting dark. My back is stiff from sitting for too many hours at my desk. But before I slump on my sofa with a cup of tea and a piece of chocolate, I’m going for a stroll. I know my aching joints will thank me, and swimming will feel easier tomorrow because of it. Happy walking and swimming.