Swimming is something you can enjoy alone or with all the family. From diving in to the ocean to visiting the local pool it’s perfect for active recovery days because it is easy on joints and muscles, and its fun!

If you are going as a family; simply having some fun dunking, doing hand stands, playing chicken and slashing around in the water is more than enough to be classed as active recovery. Don’t put any pressure on yourself to actually ‘swim’.

If you are going it alone a gentle leisurely swim is all that’s needed. Not only will you find it feels great on your body as you float away the day but you may be surprised at how zen it makes you feel. The way you feel once you are weightlessly submerged in water creates a blissful sense of calm.

Here’s my top water wellness wonders:

Family day at the ocean:

• If your child/children are old enough and confident enough to swim, dive right in and simply swim.
• Hire some (if you don’t have them) body boards and wetsuits and catch some waves, or simply float around on the boards depending on your location.
• Play games – teaching children how to float, tread water, doggy paddle etc. is not only fun but extremely necessary and very rewarding.
• If your bubs aren’t old enough to swim, simply dunk their feet in the waters edge and paddle with them. Different sensations and getting them aware of the water (even if they are teeny tiny) is priceless.
• Paddle, play and splash. Don’t take any of this too seriously, just move in the water anyway that feels good.

Family day at the pool:

• Again, if your child/children are old enough and confident enough to swim, dive right in and simply swim.
• Grab some noodles and some floaties and use them to teach – float, tread water, doggy paddle etc.
• Play games – underwater handstands, chicken, water polo, anything that sparks the imagination.
• If your bubs aren’t old enough to swim, getting them in to a pool is still great and even just walking with them through water is beautiful.
• And as with the ocean – paddle, play and splash. Don’t take any of this too seriously; just move in the water anyway that feels good.

Going it alone at the ocean:

• Simply dive right in and swim. This feels amazing and it has been proven that diving in to the ocean releases a plethora of endorphins. The salt water is also incredible for your skin.
• Float on your back and relax – this feels great on achey muscles and relaxes the mind.
• Grab yourself a body board, catch some waves or once again, simply float around.
• If you aren’t a confident swimmer, don’t swim! Walking through water is a great feeling and remember, this is your recovery there is no need to sweat!
• If you can, take a book to reward yourself with a lil’ beach time after your ocean time.

Going it alone at the pool:

• Dive right in and simply swim gentle laps while you let your mind wander.
• Float on your back and relax – this feels great on achey muscles and relaxes the mind.
• Walk through the water, it’s surprisingly challenging.
• If it’s available finish up with a steamroom and sauna – you deserve it!